Intern, Quantum Architecture

PsiQuantum; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum in Palo Alto, California, is offering internships in quantum architecture. Interns will contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at developing full-stack quantum computing architecture. Responsibilities include modeling errors, benchmarking protocols, and documenting findings. Requirements include a degree in Physics, Math, or Computer Science, and knowledge of quantum information. This internship promotes collaboration and offers placements throughout the year with durations of 3 to 6 months.

Qualifications

• Currently studying for or completed a postgraduate degree related to quantum computing.
• Competent in programming and familiar with collaborative tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and study methods for fault-tolerant FBQC.
• Model the origin and propagation of errors.
• Simulate and benchmark different protocols.
• Document and communicate results.

Skills

Quantum information

Programming in Python or C++

Collaborative software development tools (e.g. GitHub)

Education

Degree in Physics, Math, or Computer Science or equivalent

Postgraduate degree related to linear optics or fault tolerance

Job description

PsiQuantum's mission 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 approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the 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: photons don\'t feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced 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.

PsiQuantum also 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. It represents a fundamental shift - and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.

Come join us.

Job Summary

Quantum architecture internships offer a chance to work in cutting-edge research to move quantum computing from a theoretical concept to a real-world technology. As an intern you will work with our quantum architecture team to contribute to the development of a full-stack quantum computing architecture. Topics can include theory and modelling of linear optical networks, fusion-based quantum computing, fault tolerance, decoding methods, logical architecture, simulation and modeling methods.

Internship Details

Internships take place throughout the year with durations from 3 to 6 months. We offer placement opportunities in Palo Alto, California (United States), Brisbane (Australia) and remote positions. Location options will be dependent on the internship project topic.

Responsibilities

• Develop and study methods for fault-tolerant FBQC.
• Model the origin and propagation of errors.
• Simulate and benchmark different protocols.
• Document and communicate results.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in Physics, Math or Computer Science or equivalent required.
• Currently studying for, or completed a postgraduate degree related to linear optics, fault tolerance or another aspect of quantum computing.
• Knowledge of quantum information is required. Familiarity with some of the following is desirable: quantum networks, graph states, stabilizer methods, quantum error-correcting codes, linear optical quantum computing, error modelling, graphical calculus (e.g. tensor networks, ZX calculus).
• Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar languages.
• Competent use of collaborative software development tools (e.g. GitHub) is desirable.
• A creative and adaptable approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team.

Interview Process

Expect at least two interviews with the hiring team and HR. In these interviews we are keen to understand your experience, skills, and how your values align with our teams. We are also keen to hear on what you would like to get out of your internship and what your goals are. Once interviews are complete, we match students to relevant internship projects in our hiring teams. Successful candidates are required to complete background checks prior to commencing their internship. These include a National Police Check and verification of employment and education qualifications.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum 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.

Note

PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to [contact].

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.