Intern, Quantum Applications

About the role

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 are 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.

What you'll do

• Develop quantum algorithms to solve impactful problems in chemistry, drug design, materials science, and fluid dynamics.
• Optimize ubiquitous subroutines within fault-tolerant quantum algorithms to improve performance and accuracy.
• Compile quantum algorithms to logical gate sets suitable for execution on large-scale systems.
• Incorporate architecture-aware optimizations tailored to the silicon photonics hardware stack.
• Estimate quantum resources required for practical applications and utility-scale deployment.
• Work directly with application, software, and industry teams based in Australia and across the planet.
• Partner with leading Fortune 500 companies such as Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical.
• Prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact in sectors including energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, and agriculture.
• Contribute to the design of algorithms and software needed to make quantum systems commercially valuable.
• Support the build-out of PsiQuantum's first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia.
• Engage with cutting-edge research that represents a fundamental shift from classical computing paradigms.
• Help define the path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved by any other means today.
• Maintain fluency in current quantum computing methodologies and emerging industry standards.
• Communicate technical findings and progress to cross-functional teams in a clear and structured manner.

Requirements

• Currently studying for, or completed a postgraduate degree related to quantum algorithms, quantum computing, computer science, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated technical ability and a strong foundation in quantum algorithms, quantum mechanics, and computational theory.
• Eligibility to work in Australia or ability to obtain necessary work rights for the location of engagement.
• Right to work or eligibility to work in Australia is required for this role.
• Strong academic background with a focus on disciplines relevant to quantum information science.
• Passion for quantum computing and a commitment to contributing to large-scale, fault-tolerant systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a distributed, international team environment.
• Willingness to engage with complex problems that require innovative thinking and rigorous analysis.
• Alignment with PsiQuantum's mission to build the first useful quantum computers through a scalable, manufacturable approach.

Nice to have

• Prior work in the field of fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and compilation.
• Experience with silicon photonics and its application to quantum information processing.
• Familiarity with industry-standard quantum software development frameworks.
• Knowledge of photonic hardware constraints and optimization techniques.

Practical notes

• This internship can be performed remotely from anywhere in Australia and/or from PsiQuantum's Brisbane office.
• Engagement is for an internship term as defined in the source documentation.