Quantum Algorithm Development Intern

Allstate Northern Ireland Limited; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Allstate is seeking a Quantum Algorithm Development Intern to help develop and evaluate quantum algorithms for optimization, ML, and analytics. You will work with experts to build simulations and compare quantum and classical approaches, applying your computing and math skills to real‑world problems.

The role targets senior undergraduates, graduates, or recent grads in CS, physics, math, or engineering, with a focus on Chicago‑area opportunities and hands‑on research experience.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student entering senior year, graduate student, or recent graduate in a quantitative field.
• Coursework or project experience in quantum computing, linear algebra, algorithms, optimization, ML, or scientific computing.
• Experience programming in Python or similar language.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Curiosity and initiative; ability to learn new concepts quickly.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and evaluating quantum computing algorithms for optimization and ML.
• Build simulations and prototypes using quantum and classical tools.
• Analyze performance of quantum vs classical approaches via experiments.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external researchers.
• Prepare technical documentation, presentations, and proofs of concept.

Skills

Python

Qiskit

Cirq

PennyLane

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in CS/ Physics/ Math/ Engineering

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

PennyLane

CUDA‑Q

Job description

At Allstate

At Allstate, great things happen when our people work together to protect families and their belongings from life’s uncertainties. And for more than 90 years, our innovative drive has kept us a step ahead of our customers’ evolving needs. From advocating for seat belts, air bags and graduated driving laws, to being an industry leader in pricing sophistication, telematics, and, more recently, device and identity protection.

Job Description

The Quantum Algorithm Development Intern will support research and development efforts focused on applying quantum computing to real-world optimization, machine learning, and analytics challenges. Working alongside technical experts, interns will develop and evaluate quantum algorithms, build simulations and prototypes, analyze quantum and classical approaches, and contribute to collaborative projects with industry and academic partners. This role is ideal for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent graduates with a background in computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field who are passionate about emerging technologies, problem-solving, and translating advanced research into practical applications.

This internship is designed for senior‑level undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates interested in applying quantum computing to real‑world optimization, machine learning, and analytics challenges. Preference will be given to candidates in the Chicago, IL area. As a Quantum Algorithm Development Intern, you will work alongside technical experts to explore emerging quantum technologies, contribute to projects collaborating with partners in industry and academia, and investigate how quantum and classical approaches can be applied to complex business problems. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, enjoys solving difficult problems, and has a strong foundation in computing, mathematics, analytics, or engineering. This role offers hands‑on experience conducting research, developing technical solutions, and communicating findings in a rapidly evolving field.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and evaluation of quantum computing algorithms for optimization, machine learning, and related applications.
• Build simulations and prototypes using quantum and classical computing tools.
• Analyze and compare the performance of quantum and classical approaches through numerical experiments.
• Investigate a defined technical or research question with guidance from members of the team.
• Contribute to research studies, technical documentation, presentations, and proof‑of‑concept projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams and, when applicable, external researchers from universities, national laboratories, and industry.
• Help identify practical problems that could potentially benefit from future advances in quantum computing.
• Learn and apply best practices in scientific computing, data analysis, and algorithm development.
• Communicate progress, raise questions when support is needed, and incorporate feedback throughout the project.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student entering senior year, current graduate student, or recent graduate pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative or technical field.
• Coursework, research, or project experience in one or more of the following areas: Quantum Computing, Linear Algebra, Algorithms, Mathematical Optimization, Machine Learning, Scientific Computing.
• Experience programming in Python or a similar technical programming language.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn by asking questions and tackling unfamiliar challenges.
• Interest in emerging technologies and their real‑world applications.

Preferred Qualifications

Quantum Computing Background

• Introductory coursework or project experience in quantum computing.
• Familiarity with quantum circuits or quantum algorithms.
• Experience with quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, CUDA-Q, or similar tools.
• Coursework, research, or projects involving quantum information science.

Classical Analytics Background

• Machine learning or predictive modeling.
• Mathematical optimization, operations research, or decision science.
• Data analysis, statistics, or scientific computing.
• Experience with optimization libraries, machine learning frameworks, or numerical methods.
• Experience applying analytical or computational methods to technical or business problems.

What Will Help You Succeed

Successful interns in this role will demonstrate:

• Intellectual curiosity and an interest in investigating unanswered questions.
• Ability to work independently while communicating when support is needed.
• Comfort learning unfamiliar technical concepts.
• Ability to explain complex work clearly and concisely.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Openness to feedback and collaboration.
• Ability to connect technical findings to practical applications.

Compensation

Compensation range for this role is between $32.69 and $36.54 an hour depending on experience and qualifications.

Skills

Algorithms, Machine Learning (ML), Physics, Python (Programming Language), Qiskit, Quantum Computing, Technical Research, Written Communication.

Why Join Us

Joining our team isn’t just a job—the opportunity that takes your skills and pushes them to the next level. One that encourages you to challenge the status quo. One where you can shape the future of protection while supporting causes that mean the most to you. Joining our team means being part of something bigger—a winning team making a meaningful impact.

Company Policies and Benefits

Allstate generally does not sponsor individuals for employment‑based visas for this position.

Effective July 1, 2014, under Indiana House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1242, it is against public policy of the State of Indiana and a discriminatory practice for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.

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The Company’s policy to employ the best qualified individuals available for all jobs. Therefore, any discriminatory action taken on account of an employee’s ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual and reproductive health decision, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race (include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion (including religious dress), sex, or sexual orientation that adversely affects an employee's terms or conditions of employment is prohibited. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, salary administration, promotion, job assignment, benefits, discipline, and separation of employment.

Allstate provides a comprehensive technology setup, including a laptop, monitors, headset, keyboard, and mouse.

Employees eligible to work from home also receive a monthly connectivity reimbursement to help offset internet costs.

When working from home, you must have a dedicated, private workspace free from distractions, along with appropriate desk and seating.

Reliable internet is required, with minimum speeds of 50 MB download and 5 MB upload.

Allstate offers an environment that fosters innovative thinking where you’ll be able to explore your ideas and feel proud of the work you do.

Allstate helps protect nearly 16 million households with auto, home, life, and retirement products.

We want every professional connected to Allstate to be committed to giving our customers the best and that means finding the best talent.

Allstaters are dedicated to serving clients, customers, and communities, which allows employees to find meaning and value in their work.

About Us

Allstate offers an environment that fosters innovative thinking where you’ll be able to explore your ideas and feel proud of the work you do.