Scientific Software Intern - Scientific Software and Compilation

About QuEra Computing, Inc.

QuEra Computing is building the world’s most powerful neutral-atom quantum computers. Our systems are designed to scale and enable groundbreaking advances in science and technology. We collaborate closely with leading academic and industry partners to push the boundaries of quantum computing, error correction, and fault tolerance.

Summary

QuEra Computing Inc. seeks creative and collaborative Scientific Software Interns to help advance the software that connects high-level quantum applications to neutral-atom quantum computers. Working with software engineers, experimental and computational physicists, and a community of industry and academic collaborators, you will contribute to research and engineering at the intersection of programming languages, compilers, and quantum computing.

We offer a range of research and engineering projects, from investigating new compilation methods and developing prototypes to building software infrastructure and integrating with quantum hardware. Projects span quantum circuits, atom movement, and pulse-level control. Each intern will work with a mentor on a project matched to their interests, experience, and team priorities.

Our compiler stack is evolving from Python toward Rust, creating opportunities to contribute to existing tools, including our open-source compiler framework Kirin, as well as new infrastructure. Depending on the project, your contributions may include algorithms, research findings, benchmarks, or tested and documented software that supports the next generation of neutral-atom quantum computing.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and those received before Nov. 15, 2026 are guaranteed full consideration. Internship terms are flexible, including outside the summer, and can be arranged around candidates’ availability.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary by project and may include:

• Investigate research questions in quantum compilation, programming languages, or scientific software; develop prototypes and evaluate approaches through experiments and benchmarks
• Develop domain-specific languages, intermediate representations, compiler analyses, and transformations for quantum circuits, atom movement, or pulse-level control
• Build and improve compiler infrastructure in Rust or Python, and support integration with quantum hardware platforms
• Collaborate with your mentor, software engineers, and physicists to define project goals, discuss technical approaches, and communicate results
• Contribute tests, documentation, and reproducible examples or experiments appropriate to your project

Qualifications

• Experience programming in Python, Rust, or another relevant language, and willingness to learn the tools needed for your project
• A foundation in computer science or computational methods, demonstrated through coursework, research, personal projects, or other relevant experience
• Interest in research, software engineering, or both, applied to compilers and scientific software for quantum computing
• Ability to approach technical problems systematically and communicate ideas, questions, and results clearly
• Enthusiasm for collaborative work and for building tools used by researchers and developers

Preferred Qualifications

The following backgrounds are relevant to different projects; applicants are not expected to have experience in all of them:

• Academic training or research in computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field
• Experience with compiler development, intermediate representations such as Static Single Assignment (SSA), program analysis, or optimization
• Knowledge of programming language design, type systems, or programming language theory
• Experience with Rust, systems programming, or Python-based scientific software
• Experience designing experiments, evaluating algorithms, or developing reproducible benchmarks
• Familiarity with quantum computing, quantum error correction, or atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics
• Experience with version control, code review, testing, debugging, profiling, or contributions to open-source projects

Why Join QuEra?

You will be part of a collaborative, fast-moving team at the forefront of quantum technology. This internship offers exposure to both cutting-edge theory and practical implementation, with opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed research and real-world quantum hardware development.

On-site internship. There is no relocation offered for this role.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.