Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Quantum-Enabled Computation (Group 08-89)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 3,444,000 - 5,993,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Relocation assistance

Shuttle transportation

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Summer Research Program Intern in the Quantum-Enabled Computation group invites students to contribute to cutting-edge quantum hardware, algorithms, and related classical computing challenges. Interns are matched to one of three core teams and will work under mentors on real research tasks.

The program runs 10–12 weeks with housing support, relocation options, and shuttle services. Applicants should pursue BA/BS, MA/MS, or PhD in physics, EE, quantum information, CS, or

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in BA/BS, MA/MS, or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, quantum information, computer science, or similar field.
• Graduate students: research or lab experience in at least one core technical area.
• Hardware roles require hands-on experience with test equipment from internships or coursework.
• Strong programming skills, preferably Python and/or MATLAB.
• Strong technical skills, curiosity, and eagerness to tackle open-ended problems.
• Demonstrated organizational and written/oral communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Interns will be matched to one of three core teams: quantum hardware, beyond-CMOS classical computing, or quantum algorithms.
• Participate in hands-on research and contribute to ongoing projects.
• Document and present results to the Group at internship end.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Research experience

Hands-on testing

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in physics, EE, materials science, quantum information, CS

Tools

Python

Job description

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Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Quantum-Enabled Computation (Group 08-89)

The mission of Group 89, the Quantum-Enabled Computation Group, is to explore, prototype, and demonstrate transformative computational advantage by leveraging quantized and entangled signals. Our work falls into three key thrusts: quantum computing with superconducting qubits, classical computing with single flux quanta in superconducting circuits, and quantum information science and algorithms. We also enable the broader US research enterprise via superconducting device foundries and open-source software development, and support the US Government as strategic Test and Evaluation partners and subject matter experts. Our interdisciplinary Group includes scientific experts in computer science, quantum information, device theory, materials science, fabrication and integration engineering, electrical and microwave engineering, and quantum physics.

Position Description

We are seeking summer interns, at both the graduate and undergraduate level, to contribute to efforts within the Quantum-Enabled Computation group. Interns will be matched into one of our three core technical teams:

• Quantum hardware with superconducting qubits
• Beyond-CMOS classical computing with superconducting electronics
• Quantum computing algorithms and applications

Please indicate in your application materials which research team(s) you are interested in exploring internships with. Internship projects vary from year to year and are based on current efforts at the time of the internship, as well as skills, background, and interests of the individual candidate. For example, prior internship projects have included contributing to the design and test of first-of-their-kind superconducting GPUs, developing and modernizing a test automation codebase for quantum device characterization, performing resource estimation for quantum algorithms, and investigating noise mechanisms in superconducting circuits. Interns will have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from each other and technical experts in the Group, and will document and present their results to the Group at the end of the internship.

Position Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a program working towards a BA/BS, MA/MS, or PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, quantum information, computer science, or similar technical field.
• For graduate-level applicants, research or significant laboratory experience in at least one of our three core technical areas
• For hardware roles, hands‑on experience with test equipment through previous internships, laboratory coursework, or research experience
• For all roles, strong scientific programming skills, preferably in Python and/or MATLAB
• Strong technical skills, intellectual curiosity, and eagerness to tackle open-ended problems
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills

The Summer Research Program offers students the chance to apply their academic knowledge to real‑world national security challenges while working alongside leading scientists and engineers. As an SRP intern, you’ll engage in hands‑on research, receive dedicated mentorship, and take part in professional development opportunities including workshops, tech talks, and networking events—all while building connections within a vibrant community of peers.

• Internships are typically 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, typically May through early August.
• Housing support is available for eligible non‑local interns, including access to discounted university housing in Boston and a one‑time taxable relocation payment.
• Complimentary daily shuttle transportation is provided from Boston‑based housing to and from the Lab.

Hourly pay rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

Freshman year completed: $25.00/hour
Sophomore year completed: $27.00/hour
Junior year completed: $29.00/hour
4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.00/hour
Bachelors completed: $34.50/hour
Bachelors + 1, one year of graduate study completed: $36.50/hour
Bachelors + 2, two years of graduate study completed: $38.00/hour
MS completed: $39.00/hour
MS + 1, one year of graduate study completed after the MS: $41.00/hour
MS + 2, two years of graduate study completed after the MS: $42.50/hour
MS + 3, three years of graduate study completed after the MS: $43.50/hour

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.