Senior Technical Program Manager

About the job

The Role

Rigetti's quantum systems require tight coordination between research scientists, hardware engineers, and control systems. As a Senior TPM, you'll own the planning and execution of large technical programs that bring these components together into deployable quantum systems. You'll operate in a fast-moving deep-tech environment where many efforts are research-driven and technically ambiguous, requiring strong judgment, technical understanding, and execution discipline.

What You'll Do

Program Leadership

• Own the end-to-end delivery of complex technical programs at the system level
• Build and maintain program roadmaps, milestones, and integration schedules for quantum system releases
• Drive execution across multiple engineering teams while maintaining alignment with company priorities

Cross-Functional Execution

• Coordinate work between teams, including:

• Quantum device and fabrication

• Cryogenic, control hardware, and software

• Manage dependencies and integration across the quantum computing stack

Systems Integration

• Lead cross-team integration planning for new quantum processor generations and system deployments
• Ensure alignment between research milestones and engineering deliverables
• Track readiness across hardware, firmware, and software layers

Risk & Decision Management

• Identify technical, schedule, and operational risks early
• Facilitate data-driven decisions with engineering leadership
• Drive resolution of cross-team blockers and competing priorities

Operational Excellence

• Establish scalable program management practices for deep-tech R&D
• Improve engineering planning, milestone tracking, and program reporting
• Support leadership with clear program visibility and status reporting

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in technical program management, engineering program management, or systems engineering
• Experience delivering complex multidisciplinary technology programs
• Strong understanding of hardware and software system development lifecycles
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs across multiple specialized engineering teams
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, research-driven environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in quantum computing, semiconductors, advanced hardware systems, or deep-tech startups
• Background working with R&D organizations or research-to-product transitions
• Experience with large-scale system integration programs
• Familiarity with Agile or hybrid development models in hardware/software environments
• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline