Quantum Algorithm Engineer Internship 2025

  • Cambridge

    San Jose

    Albany

    Yorktown Heights

  • Software Engineering
  • Internship

Quantum Algorithm Engineer Internship 2025

  • Cambridge

    San Jose

    Albany

    Yorktown Heights

  • Software Engineering
  • Internship

Introduction
As a Algorithm Engineer at , you will be responsible for working with Innovation Centers and National Labs to get the most out of our computers, both dedicated and on the cloud systems, directly impacting the path towards utility.

Your Role and Responsibilities
This is for a 2025 summer internship with the following start dates: May – August or June – September for quarter system schools.
Your responsibilities include
• Working with researchers and engineers across the IBM Quantum Network (IQN) to understand, analyze and optimize quantum computing performance on state-of-the-art hardware and software.
• Collaborating with quantum computing researchers from the IQN and strategic government labs to co-develop engineered solutions utilizing our current product.
• Working closely with the Product team in new capability testing to expand IBM Quantum’s software tools and capabilities. This includes i) providing feedback on early internal prototypes, and ii) identifying (client-related) gaps in existing software and engaging with Product and leaders to address them.
• Implementing production-quality software across IBM Quantum’s software stack
• Maintaining up-to-date technical skills and knowledge of latest developments in quantum computing and related fields.


Required Technical and Professional Expertise

  • MSc. in Physics, Computer Science, Quantum Chemistry or equivalent experience
  • 4+ years of experience in quantum computing, running near-term algorithms in quantum hardware.
  • Deep understanding of quantum computing architecture, both in software, middleware and hardware.
  • Understanding of quantum system benchmarking techniques and trade-offs across different hardware architectures.
  • Familiarity with the fundamentals of superconducting circuit architecture.
  • Proven experience analyzing, modeling and tuning quantum hardware performance, including (but not limited to) transpilation, error suppression and mitigation techniques.
  • Excellent programming skills in Python and Qiskit.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to identify, diagnose and address challenges.
  • Project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.


Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

  • PhD. in Physics, Comp. Science, Chemistry or equivalent experience
  • Strong fundamentals in quantum algorithms
  • Proven experience with real quantum processors, and system-level performance modelling
  • HPC programming experience and understanding of the integration between quantum and classical compute capabilities is a strong plus but not required
  • Ability to translate customer needs into technical requirements and solutions.
  • Strong programming skills in Rust
  • Software development skills (e.g. documentation, debugging, data structures, design patters, software testing, CI/CD, agile frameworks, open source).
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities, especially with product and sales teams.
  • Experience in customer-facing and/or client support roles.

Want to know what it’s like to be an IBMer?


About Business Unit

Research is the organic growth engine of and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, Research anticipates and examines ‘What’s Next in Computing’ to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for , our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale computing. Across Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, , and , all integrated through the hybrid cloud.


Your Life @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as ers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an er means you’ll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you’ll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our ers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other ers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our ers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an er?


About IBM

‘s greatest invention is the er. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 50 companies relying on the Cloud to run their business.

At , we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.


Location Statement

Supplemental 1 employees may be eligible for up to 8 paid holidays, minimum of 56 hours paid sick time and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. offers paid family medical leave and disability benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law. The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year. This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.


Being You @ IBM

is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Key Job Details

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