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Intern, System Architecture

PsiQuantum


Job Location:

Palo Alto, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 11 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

PsiQuantumsmission is to build the first useful quantum computersmachines 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 industryincluding partners like GlobalFoundrieswe use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdontfeel heat are immune to electromagnetic interference and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024PsiQuantumannounced 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 definingand that now is the time to scale.

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

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

Come join us.

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 COMPLETED

Hourly Rate

Housing/CommuterStipend

Bachelors: In Process

$27.50

Variable based on permanent residency location

Bachelors Degree

$31.00

Variable based on permanent residency location

Masters: 1stYear

$36.00

Variable based on permanent residency location

Masters 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 COMPLETED

Hourly Rate

Annualized

Bachelors: Freshman/Sophomore/Junior

15

31200

Bachelors Degree

17

35360

Masters 1stYear

18

37440

Masters Degree

20

41600

Ph.D. in process

24

49920

Ph.D. near completion

27

56160

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.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.


Required Experience:

Intern