Optics Intern - 1021

Quantinuum; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Quantinuum in Albuquerque, NM seeks an Optics Intern to join a team advancing trapped-ion quantum computing technologies. You will help set up an optics and photonics lab and participate in designing, building, testing, and aligning optical systems, including lasers and imaging.

The role offers hands-on research experience with collaboration across engineering and science teams, exposure to cutting-edge photonics, and compensation at $23–$29 per hour; safety drug testing is required for

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a degree seeking program.
• Minimum 2+ academic years physics, optics, and/or engineering coursework at the university level.
• Graduating on/after December 2027.
• Due to national security requirements: must be a U.S. person (no foreign nationals per government restrictions).

Responsibilities

• Work with a team of engineers, physicists, and technicians to advance trapped-ion quantum computing technologies.
• Help set up an optics and photonics lab in collaboration with other technical and R&D colleagues, including optical, mechanical, electronics, and other technical systems.
• Participate in designing, building, testing and alignment of optical systems, including lasers and imaging systems.
• Provide technical expertise and support to colleagues, assisting with the resolution of lab- and equipment-related issues and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Develop, refine, and document photonic designs and experimental setups.
• Analyze and present results to teammates and across the company.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Lab experience

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student

Tools

Comsol

Lumerical

RSoft

Zemax

Job description

We are seeking an Optics Intern for our Albuquerque, NM location. All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with a team of engineers, physicists, and technicians to advance trapped-ion quantum computing technologies
• Help set up an optics and photonics lab in collaboration with other technical and R&D colleagues, including optical, mechanical, electronics, and other technical systems
• Participate in designing, building, testing and alignment of optical systems, including lasers and imaging systems
• Provide technical expertise and support to colleagues, assisting with the resolution of lab- and equipment-related issues and implementing corrective actions as necessary
• Develop, refine, and document photonic designs and experimental setups
• Analyze and present results to teammates and across the company

You Must Have:

• Currently enrolled in a degree seeking program
• Minimum 2+ academic years physics, optics, and/or engineering coursework at the university level
• Graduating on/after December 2027
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. person (defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status)

WE VALUE:

• Hands-on experience in an optics or photonics laboratory strongly preferred
• Experience with general experimental techniques and equipment, and data acquisition and analysis
• 1.5+ part-time academic years or 2 full-time summers of research experience in an optics or closely related research lab during an undergraduate/graduate program
• 1+ years research experience at the graduate level
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Programming experience with languages such as Python, C/C++ or similar
• Experience with photonics and/or photonic integrated circuits in a course and/or research lab
• Experience with nonlinear optics in a course and/or research lab
• Modeling and/or simulation experience of physical phenomena using a software package in a course and/or research lab
• Experience with optics and/or photonics modeling software such as Comsol, Lumerical, RSoft, or Zemax in a course and/or research lab

Compensation & Benefits:

$23 - $29 an hour

The pay range for this role is $23 - $29 per hour. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate’s skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.

Quantinuum Overview

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company delivering a full stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. With active engagements spanning pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, government, industrial sectors, and leading academic and research institutions worldwide, we are helping organizations unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing.

Our global team of more than 800 employees includes many of the world's leading scientists, engineers, and researchers, with more than 70% of our technology team holding advanced degrees at the Master's or PhD level. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Quantinuum operates across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.

By joining Quantinuum, you’ll help shape the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.

What’s in it for you?

We believe our people are our greatest strength and offer a comprehensive rewards package that supports your professional growth, well-being, and long-term success.

• For candidates located outside of this state, this role will include a housing stipend of $500 per check/bi-weekly
• A competitive market rate and innovative, game-changing work
• Flexible work schedule
• Employee discounts

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quantinuum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Know Your Rights:

Workplace discrimination is illegal. For more information about Quantinuum, please visit our website.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.