Michael Rust

Michael Rust is a seasoned engineer with extensive experience in quantum technology and photonics. Currently serving as a Senior Staff Engineer at Ayar Labs since March 2019, Michael has held multiple roles including Senior Photonics Test Engineer and Photonics Test Engineer. Prior to this, experience includes positions at Rigetti Computing as a Quantum Control Engineer and Junior Quantum Engineer, where responsibilities involved the design and control of quantum devices, along with RF control of superconducting resonators and clean room activities. Earlier roles include Electrical Design Engineer at Dell, focusing on datacenter product design, and Airborne Infantryman in the U.S. Army, where notable experiences include combat patrols in Afghanistan. Michael holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science with dual majors in Physics and Electrical & Computer Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, Michael has completed the U.S. Army Airborne School, earning a Parachutist Badge.