About the role#
Delivering practical quantum error correction requires tightly integrated quantum and classical systems. Decoding algorithms must process large volumes of error data within demanding latency, bandwidth, compute, and power constraints. As an engineering intern, you will investigate the classical computing architectures needed to support scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers. Your project sits at the intersection of quantum error correction, computer architecture, and hardware-software co-design. You will work alongside researchers and engineers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with support from a dedicated supervisor.
What you'll do#
- Contribute to research on classical systems and architectures required for scalable quantum error correction.
- Investigate methods for reducing compute, communication, memory, latency, or power requirements associated with QEC.
- Develop algorithms, simulations, or architectural models to evaluate potential approaches.
- Explore trade-offs between decoding performance, logical error suppression, and classical resource requirements.
- Consider how QEC workloads could be implemented across software, FPGA, ASIC, or other computing architectures.
- Collaborate with researchers and engineers working across QEC theory, decoding, software, and hardware.
- Analyze results and communicate findings through technical discussions, presentations, and written reports.
- Produce clear, reproducible research code and supporting documentation.
What you'll need#
- Current student status at the time of application, studying toward a Bachelor's degree (second year or later) or a Master's degree.
- Experience in one or more of the following: quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computing, computer architecture, quantum-classical systems, decoding algorithms, error-correcting codes, or FPGA, ASIC, or digital hardware design.
- Experience developing computational models, simulations, or research software.
- Proficiency in Python, C, C++, or another relevant programming language.
- Strong understanding of computer systems and architecture.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate complex technical ideas clearly.
- Ability to take initiative and work effectively with researchers and engineers from different disciplines.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the internship.
Location & details#
- This role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- The work modality is hybrid.
- This is a full-time position for 10 to 12 weeks.
- We welcome applicants from Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics backgrounds.
- Experience researching quantum LDPC or surface codes, familiarity with QEC decoding techniques, or experience with RTL, SystemVerilog, or hardware-software co-design are considered a plus.
About Riverlane
Riverlane is a software development company based in Cambridge, England. Founded in 2016, the firm specializes in quantum computing technology. It develops tools for Quantum Error Correction to fix data errors in qubits. The company works with quantum computer manufacturers and government entities to improve performance across the sector. It employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at Riverlane
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