Intern, System Architecture

Psiquantum; Runcorn; Remote; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Psiquantum in Bristol, United Kingdom is seeking interns for our system architecture team to help design the first fault-tolerant quantum computer. You will work at the interface of hardware development and the quantum architecture, writing prototype software for photonic quantum networks and simulating protocols.

We welcome students or recent graduates in physics, math, CS or engineering, with Python, C++ or Julia programming.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics, Math, CS, Engineering or equivalent.
• Currently studying or recently finished a postgraduate degree (PhD preferred).
• Experience in programming with Python, C++, Julia or similar.
• Collaborative tools such as GitHub desirable.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Write prototype software for controlling and simulating photonic quantum networks.
• Apply quantum information theory to improve architecture designs.
• Develop new approaches to photonic quantum computing.
• Simulate and benchmark quantum protocols.
• Document and communicate results.

Skills

Python

C++

Julia

GitHub

Communication

Education

Physics

Mathematics

Computer Science

Engineering

Postgraduate degree (PhD preferred)

Job description

the company’smission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.

Our architecture and approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry—including partners like GlobalFoundries,we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon’tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024,the companyannounced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining—and that now is the time to scale.

the companyalso develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies—including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical—to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clearpathto make it real.

Job Summary:

Our system architecture department sits at the interface of hardware development, manufacturing, and the quantum architecture to design the first fault-tolerant quantum computer. The optical architecture group are specifically responsible for:

• discovering and developing new schemes for photonic quantum computation

• translating abstract quantum information protocols into the designs of physical systems

• modelling quantum optical systems to determine the requirements for hardware systems

Internships are hired on a rolling basis, with durations of 3 to 6 months. We offer placement opportunities in Palo Alto, California (United States), Bristol (United Kingdom), and remotely.

The internship role requires a challenging mix of analytical skills and programming. We are looking for fast learning, productive, creative individuals who are motivated to translate theoretical concepts into real technology.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to ongoing optical architecture technical projects. For example:

• Writing prototype software implementations for controlling and simulating the optical networks inside photonic quantum computers.

• Applying results from quantum information theory, network design and/or optimization to improve optical architecture designs.

• Development and discovery of new approaches to photonic quantum computing.

• Simulate and benchmark different protocols.

• Document and communicate results.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Degree in: Physics, Math, Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent.

• Currently studying or recently finished a postgraduate degree (PhD preferred).

• Experience in programming in Python, C++, Julia or similar languages.

• Competent use of collaborative software development tools (e.g., GitHub) is desirable.

• Ability to communicate effectively and work closely with others.

• Preferred: knowledge of quantum optics, photonic hardware, switch network design, optimization, graph theory.

U.S. Intern Hourly Pay Rate Chart

Education level COMPLETEDHourly RateHousing/CommuterStipend

Bachelors: In Process

$27.50

Variable based on permanent residency location

Bachelor’s Degree

$31.00

Variable based on permanent residency location

Master’s: 1stYear

$36.00

Variable based on permanent residency location

Master’s Degree

$40.00

Variable based on permanent residency location

PhD: In Process

$44.00

Variable based on permanent residency location

PhD: Near Completion

$47.00

Variable based on permanent residency location

UK Intern Compensation Rates

Education level COMPLETEDHourly RateAnnualizedBachelors: Freshman/Sophomore/Junior

15

31,200

Bachelor’s Degree

17

35,360

Masters, 1stYear

18

37,440

Master’s Degree

20

41,600

Ph.D. in process

24

49,920

Ph.D. near completion

27

56,160

the company provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. the company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.