Internship Quantum Computing Research Jobs in Virginia

Quantum Sky is searching for a Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer to develop quantum computing workloads for mission-critical operations supporting the U.S. Federal Government, Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and National Security sectors. This role is ideal for a technically strong quantum computing professional who is passionate about translating advanced quantum algorithms into practical solutions for real-world mission challenges. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of quantum algorithms that support the industry's transition from Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) systems to Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC). Working alongside engineers, scientists, and mission stakeholders, this individual will help bridge the gap between theoretical quantum computing concepts and deployable applications for defense and intelligence missions. Key Responsibilities: Adapt existing quantum algorithm development techniques to mission-specific use cases; lead technical workstreams; design, implement, and optimize quantum algorithms for NISQ and FTQC architectures; mentor junior developers; contribute to technical publications, patent filings, and proposal efforts; and help curate and evolve the quantum algorithm curriculum for Quantum Sky's Quantum Community of Practice, supporting internal knowledge sharing and technical development. Quantum Algorithm Development * Design, develop, and optimize quantum and hybrid classical-quantum algorithms for mission-relevant applications.
* Implement quantum algorithms using leading quantum software development frameworks and hardware platforms.
* Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate quantum solutions into broader software and mission architectures.
* Develop and evaluate Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithms (QAOA), Variational Quantum Eigensolvers (VQE), Quantum Machine Learning (QML), Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT), Grover's Search, and other quantum algorithms as appropriate for mission requirements.
* Contribute to the development of fault-tolerant algorithms that support hybrid classical-quantum workflows.
Research & Technical Innovation * Research emerging quantum algorithms, architectures, and development frameworks.
* Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use cases.
* Model qubit performance and contribute to error mitigation and quantum error correction efforts.
* Prototype and benchmark quantum solutions across multiple quantum computing platforms.
Collaboration * Work closely with software engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into quantum solutions.
* Participate in technical reviews, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and customer engagements.
* Document designs, research findings, and implementation approaches.
* Contribute to internal innovation initiatives, technical papers, and proposal efforts. Qualifications Required: * PhD or Master's degree in Quantum Physics, Quantum Information Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field.
* 5–8+ years of experience developing quantum algorithms or quantum software.
* Experience developing quantum or hybrid classical-quantum algorithms targeting practical use cases.
* Proficiency with one or more quantum development frameworks such as:
* Qiskit
* PennyLane
* Cirq
* CUDA-Q
* Amazon Braket
* Experience programming in Python.
* Understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including:
* Quantum circuits
* Quantum gates
* Quantum optimization
* Quantum emulation
* Variational algorithms
* Familiarity with NISQ-era devices and techniques for error mitigation or quantum error correction.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance due to federal-facing programs.
Desired: * Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
* Experience supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, DOE, AFRL, DARPA, or other federal research organizations.
* Experience with quantum optimization (QUBOs), QAOA, VQE, or quantum machine learning.
* Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), GPU computing, or hybrid computing architectures.
* Publications, patents, or open-source contributions related to quantum computing.
* Experience working in Agile software development environments.