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Internship Vacuum Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Internship Vacuum Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do internship vacuum engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship vacuum engineer in Madison, WI is $25.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship vacuum engineer do?

An Internship Vacuum Engineer assists with the design, maintenance, and testing of vacuum systems used in various industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing, research laboratories, or aerospace. Interns typically support senior engineers by preparing technical documentation, conducting experiments, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting issues. They gain hands-on experience with vacuum pumps, gauges, and related equipment, as well as learn about safety protocols and best practices. This role provides valuable exposure to the fundamentals of vacuum technology and engineering processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship vacuum engineer?

To thrive as an Internship Vacuum Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of physics or engineering principles, often supported by coursework or a degree in mechanical, electrical, or materials engineering. Familiarity with vacuum systems, pressure gauges, leak detectors, and CAD software is typically required, and experience with laboratory safety protocols is valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork enhance performance in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation and troubleshooting of vacuum systems critical for research and industrial applications.

What types of projects or tasks can an internship vacuum engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Internship Vacuum Engineer, you can expect to be involved in hands-on projects such as assembling, testing, and troubleshooting vacuum systems, assisting with leak detection, and supporting the maintenance of high-vacuum equipment. You'll likely collaborate with experienced engineers and technicians on experiments or process improvements, participate in data collection, and learn how to operate specialized instruments. This role provides valuable exposure to cleanroom protocols and safety standards, as well as opportunities to develop technical documentation skills. The experience offers a strong foundation for future roles in vacuum technology, semiconductor manufacturing, or research labs.

What is the difference between Internship Vacuum Engineer vs Internship Mechanical Engineer?

AspectInternship Vacuum EngineerInternship Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBasic engineering degree, knowledge of vacuum systemsBasic engineering degree, knowledge of mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, aerospace, semiconductor industriesManufacturing plants, design offices, product development
Industry UsageHigh-tech industries, aerospace, electronicsAutomotive, manufacturing, product design

Internship Vacuum Engineers focus on vacuum technology within high-tech industries, requiring knowledge of vacuum systems and related equipment. In contrast, Internship Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on mechanical design and systems across various industries. Both roles often require similar foundational engineering knowledge but differ in specialization and work environment.

Infographic showing various Internship Vacuum Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,270 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Quantum Physicist (Quantum Computing)

Infleqtion

Madison, WI • On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Infleqtion is on a mission to commercialize atom-based quantum technologies that deliver orders-of-magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to innovation. We are seeking self-motivated, energetic individuals with exceptional problem-solving and technical skills to help drive our Quantum Computing mission forward. We encourage applications from experimental physicists with expertise in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics, particularly those with experience in the coherent control of quantum systems such as ultracold atoms, trapped ions, and diamond NV centers.

Role and responsibilities
  • Design, build, calibrate and maintain Quantum Computers based on neutral atoms.
  • Participate and/or lead Research and Development projects for laser systems, Quantum Processing Units, quantum gate protocols, etc. for Quantum Computers.
  • Create, test, and validate mathematical models of atomic physics behavior, and use the results to inform system design by translating high-level system requirements into specialized engineering subsystems.
  • Self-start and successfully execute on a new R&D activity given a well-defined goal and constraints (e.g. resources, timeframe): gather requirements from stakeholders, drive definition of solution space, drive project execution.
  • Develop, test, run, and debug software for conducting experiments and system tuning in production.
  • Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems.
  • Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance.
  • Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports. Supervise interns.

Requirements

  • PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply, please do! We will also consider hiring at the Senior Quantum Physicist level.
  • Proficiency in using tools commonly found in an atomic physics lab, such as lasers, acousto-optic modules, RF signal generators and analyzers, and ultra-high-vacuum systems.
  • Proficiency in writing Python code for running physics experiments.
  • Proficiency in calculating atom-light interaction for input laser specifications.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to effectively share information with technical and non-technical staff at all levels of company hierarchy.
  • Excellent collaboration skills, ability to work in an agile efficient team environment where engagement, feedback, and participation are an expected part of successful job performance.
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills and fast learning rate.
  • Ability to work both autonomously—taking high-level goals as input to develop and execute an optimal plan while gathering necessary resources—and collaboratively, by soliciting and incorporating input from colleagues.

 It is a plus if you have:

  • Experience in operating high power CW laser (> 1 Watt) and/or short-wavelength visible laser (< 500 nm) and designing their laser power delivery systems
  • Experience with characterization and mitigation of laser frequency and intensity noise
  • Experience with analog electronics and use of servo loops for laser and subsystem stabilization
  • Experience with image projection through a high numerical aperture (NA) imaging system
  • Experience in integrating heterogeneous subsystems for a complex physics experiment
  • Familiarity with Git, Linux, and command line interface (CLI) tools
  • Enthusiasm for staying up-to-date with latest developments in AMO physics and reviewing relevant papers for the team

Note

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations for quantum computing technology. Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers.  We ask that candidates be able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person).  Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.

TRAVEL

Up to 10% travel may be required.

NOTE: Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Benefits

The targeted salary range for this role is $130,000 to $211,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

  • 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
  • Employer funded Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Matching Programs
  • Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
  • Paid FMLA Leave
  • Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Employer Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at hr@infleqtion.com

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.