Summer Internship 2025 - Engineering

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Fixed-term | £27,000 - £32,000 (pro rata) DOE

About us

Riverlane’s mission is to make quantum computing useful, sooner. From advances in material science to complex chemistry simulation for drug design and discovery, quantum computers will help solve some of the world’s most important challenges. Riverlane is building the quantum error correction stack to make this happen. It’s a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast. 

About our internships

Our full-time summer internships are designed to enable current students in a technical field to translate their skills and expertise into an industrial setting. You will join us at our Head Office in Cambridge, UK, for 10 to 12 weeks, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside our team of talented, hardworking and focused software and hardware engineers, mathematicians, quantum information theorists, computational chemists and physicists – all experts in their fields.  

Every intern will have a dedicated supervisor and will work on a project designed to make the best use of their background and skills, whilst developing their knowledge of quantum computing. We will support all interns to try and produce something they are proud of by the end of their internship. Previous interns have successfully committed code to industry-standard open source compilers, co-authored papers and led the design work for software tools.  

What you will do

• Develop, devise and research algorithms and software to enhance Riverlane’s capabilities, contributing to one or more projects that are core to Riverlane’s goals
• Discuss ideas with colleagues and communicate work in the form of presentations and reports
• Develop an understanding of quantum computers and their industrial applications

Requirements

• At the time of application, you will be a current student, in your 2nd+ year of your Bachelor's OR part way through your Master's or PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, or a related technical field
• Proven ability in computational and/or theoretical work
• Experience with at least one programming language
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to take initiative and to work well as part of a team
• An interest in quantum computing (extensive knowledge or experience is not required)

Important notes

• We are only able to accept applications from individuals who have the right to work in the UK (including those who hold a valid UK student visa).  Please note, for PhD students, there is the requirement to temporarily step out of your PhD to complete the internship, which may impact your right to work status.
• You must be available full-time for 10 to 12 weeks over the summer vacation period, preferably starting on Monday 16th June 2025 until Friday 6th September 2025.
• We require a signed agreement from you assigning the ownership of any IP produced during your internship to Riverlane.

• Internships are based at our Head Office in Cambridge, UK.

How to apply

Please upload a CV and covering letter here. Your CV should include the grades that you have so far received in your degree(s). The covering letter should explain why you are applying for the internship and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.

Our summer internships start on Monday 16th June 2025 until Friday 6th September 2025.

Deadline

Please submit your application by Friday 29th November 2024. Interviews will be held in Cambridge (or virtually if required) during December 2024.

Stipend

Interns receive a competitive stipend. The stipend is £27,000 for Bachelor's/Master's students and £32,000 for PhD students (pro rata). We will also pay for any expenses incurred as part of your role e.g. travel to meetings or conferences etc. Please note that we are unable to pay for travel to Cambridge or accommodation in Cambridge.

What can you expect from us

Alongside a competitive salary, you can expect a diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities. We also offer free snacks and refreshments and regular social and cultural events.

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com.

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.

Studies have shown that women tend to apply to jobs if they meet all or almost all of the requirements whereas men apply even if they meet only some of the requirements. If that sounds like you then please apply – we are happy to review your application and let you know if we think you might be a good fit.

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.