National Security Solutions – Internship

Title:

National Security Solutions (NSS) Internship - Quantum Computing

Who We Are

KBR Mission Technical Solutions delivers full life cycle professional and technical solutions that improve operational readiness and drive innovation. Our solutions help ensure mission success on land, air, sea, space and cyberspace for the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, NASA and other federal agencies. KBR’s areas of expertise include engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity.  KBR strives to create a safer, more secure and sustainable world by bringing together the best and brightest to deliver technologies and solutions that help our customers accomplish their most critical missions and objectives.

The Mission Ahead

This role is with KBR’s Mission Tech Solutions (MTS).  At KBR MTS, we don't just envision a world that's safer, more secure, and sustainable - we create it. Our legacy of delivering advanced full life cycle professional and technical solutions is matched only by our commitment to operational readiness and innovation. As stewards of critical missions for the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, NASA, and other key federal entities, we excel in engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT, and cybersecurity. United in our quest for excellence, KBR stands at the vanguard, ready to transform possibilities into impactful realities for a better tomorrow.

Why Join KBR?

• Mentorship from experienced subject matter experts
• Cutting edge projects, relevant to real world challenges
• Work in a collaborative and dynamic team environment
• Networking opportunities with other technologists and executives
• Competitive pay and great company culture

As a National Security Solutions – Quantum Computing Intern, you will:

• Quickly develop and apply quantum computing science skills needed to help complete, refine, and update KBR’s Quantum Hardware analysis tool and Algorithm Development platform into a product and/or maintainable service for KBR to provide to commercial and government customers. 
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and tailor application-specific quantum computing (QC) software, e.g., from general quantum algorithms that may be in the literature into executable code that can run on one or more quantum hardware architecture. 
• Demonstrate an ability to tailor code to HW designs that differ greatly, to measure and compare efficiencies between architectures and to explain such dependencies clearly to customers, including helping to ‘educate the buyer’ as needed.

You must have a strong interest in quantum computing and relevant software development/engineering skills.  The ideal candidate will have had some coursework in physics, chemistry, biology, or other disciplines that entail understanding quantum mechanical systems.  Advanced or independent studies in these fields is a great plus, but not a requirement.  If you are an inventor with the curiosity and ability to apply fundamental skills to innovating solutions, that is more important than the highest GPA!  Opportunities range from writing new quantum computing algorithms for solving problems that even AI cannot to devising critical new quantum error correction schemes and potentially helping design new quantum information systems e.g., computer or network architecture. 

The successful candidate will learn what makes alternative tech development paths toward quantum computing systems (e.g., superconducting vs trapped ion or neutral atom approaches) so fundamentally different both in physical implementations and in their efficiency.  Entering with any such understanding is not expected, however it would be tremendous plus.  An example of a challenge task would be to look at how the geometric layout and connectivity of KBR’s patented 3D quantum chip design might suggest new strategies for quantum error correction, which are critical for accelerating practical quantum computing.  Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t yet know as long as you are motivated by what you want to learn and to help solve.

Selected interns for this paid opportunity will be provided with the opportunity to mentor with experienced professionals, gain experience and establish a name for themselves in this high demand career field. 

Required Skillset:

• Background in Quantum Mechanics (e.g., has at least taken a course in Modern Physics, Chemistry or Biochemistry covering quantum interactions; demonstrated self-study in QC)
• Strong interest in Quantum Computing
• Coursework in Linear Algebra
• Experience with the Python, React, and/or JavaScript programming languages (pref. some of both)
• Applicant must showcase strong problem-solving skills and be an independent learner

Desired Skillset:

• Experience with Quantum Computing or Quantum Information
• Experience with quantum computing software developer tools (e.g.,  Qiskit, IBM’s Quantum Experience or other Quantum Computing cloud service)  
• Familiar with different types of physical qubits (e.g., ions, superconducting qubits, Rydberg atoms) and the associated advantages and disadvantages
• Other rigorous discipline in which a strong applicability of stressing optimization problems can be demonstrated on a small-scale quantum processor.  Orchestrated tasking and scheduling of multi-sensor satellites in multiple orbits is an example of such a problem that rapidly blows up and becomes NP-complete. 

Scheduled Weekly Hours:   Average 40 hours per week.

Requirement:

• Must be a US Citizen
• Must pass a Security Pre-Screen and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY AT KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people, sustainability, and our Zero Harm culture.

These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to and ongoing journey toward being a more inclusive and diverse company. That commitment is central to our team of teams philosophy and fosters an environment of real collaboration across cultures and locations. Our individual differences and perspectives bring enhanced value to our teams and help us develop solutions for the most challenging problems. We understand that by embracing those differences and working together, we are more innovative, more resilient, and safer.

We Deliver – Together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.