Mechanical Engineering Intern M/F

Alice-; Aubervilliers; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers

Transport support (half)

Kitchen access and stocked facilities

Job summary

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer. As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you will design and prototype the readout module for the MXC stage, aiming to cut assembly time and defects, with a view to subcontractor manufacturing.

The role will involve DFA, tolerance analysis, and thermal design for cryogenic constraints. Reporting to Cryohardware Development, you’ll collaborate with operation and RF teams, write procedures, and help define an

Qualifications

• Final-year Master’s or engineering student in mechanical engineering or mechatronics.
• Mechanical design for assembly (DFA) and tolerance analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks) and technical drawing.
• Material selection and thermal design, ideally cryogenic constraints.
• Interest in RF measurements and cryogenics.

Responsibilities

• Characterize the current readout chain and define the specification.
• Study and select the mechanical architecture.
• Design the readout module and produce CAD models, drawings, and a BOM.
• Build and validate a prototype in the cryostat and perform calibrations.
• Recommend the industrialization path with a go/no-go roadmap.

Skills

Mechanical design for assembly (DFA)

Tolerance analysis

RF hardware knowledge

English proficiency

Presentation to multidisciplinaryTeams

Education

Final-year Master's or engineering student in mechanical engineering or mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems.

The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit . In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously!

We’re a diverse team of 250+ brilliant minds from over 35 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let’s shape the future of quantum computing together!

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

In a context where the number of qubits per dilution refrigerator keeps growing and no supplier offers an off-the-shelf readout bundle, the Mechanical Engineering Intern makes readout chain integration scalable. Today, each readout chain at the MXC stage (isolators/circulators, filters, TWPA, low-noise amplifier) is assembled line by line with SMA connections inside the fridge. This process is slow, depends on the operator, causes defects and cannot be outsourced.

Reporting to the Cryohardware Development Team, the intern will work closely with the operation and RF teams to design, prototype and validate a compact readout module that cuts assembly time and defects and that a subcontractor can build.

This internship will start at the end of January 2027 and will last 6 months!

Responsibilities:

1. Characterize the current readout chain and define the specification
   • Map the existing chain: assembly time, defect rate, insertion losses, footprint
   • Define the specification with the operation and RF teams: number of lines (target 32), MXC envelope, insertion loss budget, thermalization requirements
2. Study and select the mechanical architecture
   • Compare two architectures: a pre-cabled block with non-threaded connections, and a block with a single plug interface to the MXC
   • Benchmark compact components available on the market
   • Build a decision matrix and defend the chosen architecture in design review
3. Design the readout module
   • Produce the CAD model, drawings and a costed bill of materials (BOM)
   • Select materials and design thermalization to the MXC plate
   • Define torque specifications and perform the SMP tolerance stack-up
   • Choose connectors compatible with a future board-edge/PCB integration
   • Write an assembly and inspection procedure that a subcontractor can follow
4. Build and validate a prototype in the cryostat
   • Assemble the prototype and measure the real assembly time
   • Perform SOLT/SOLR calibration and S-parameter characterization at room temperature and cold
   • Compare performance against the SMA reference chain and write a measurement report
5. Recommend the path to industrialization
   • Deliver a go/no-go recommendation based on measurement results
   • Build an industrialization roadmap, including inputs for the phase-2 PCB study

Requirements:

• Final-year Master's or engineering student in mechanical engineering or mechatronics, with an interest in RF and cryogenic hardware. Hands-on and rigorous, you enjoys building, testing and documenting hardware and is comfortable presenting technical choices to multidisciplinary teams.
• Mechanical design for assembly (DFA) and tolerance analysis (stack-ups)
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks) and technical drawing
• Material selection and thermal design, ideally with an interest in cryogenic constraints
• Basic knowledge of RF connectors and coaxial lines (a plus)
• Interest in RF measurements (VNA, S-parameters) and cryogenics
• Hands-on approach: comfortable assembling and testing hardware
• Rigor and clear technical documentation
• Ability to structure and present technical choices in a design review
• LANGUAGES: Proficient in English
• EXPERIENCE: No minimum required. A previous internship or project in mechanical design, prototyping or testing is a plus. Availability: 6 months.

Benefits:

• 1 day off per month
• Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law)
• Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen

Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.

You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!

We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.