Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems.
The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit 🐈⬛. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously!
We're a diverse team of 200+ brilliant minds from over 30 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let's shape the future of quantum computing together!
As an RF Sub Systems Design & Characterization Intern, your mission is to support the design, development, integration, and validation of RF hardware used to control Quantum bits (Qubits). Guided by senior engineers, you will gain hands-on experience on leveraging performance RF instruments, characterizing cryogenic components, and automating test workflows.
Following the candidate’s abilities, there will be 3 main possible topics to focus on:
- Cryogenic Bias tee footprint reduction
- RF Readout chain optimization at room temperature
- RF Readout chain optimization at cryogenic temperatures
As part of the team, you will contribute to solving technical challenges involving the entire signal chain from room temperature to cryogenics, by designing RF sub systems prototypes on PCB, manipulating different instruments to acquire data, and gathering inputs from your market tech watch. Working closely with cross functional teams of engineers and scientists, you’ll help to improve system performance and develop the next generation of quantum hardware platforms.
This internship will start in September 2026 for a duration of 5-6 months.
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Responsibilities:
- Integrate and test control electronics and instrumentation (RF, DC, etc.) with the help of senior engineers.
- Characterize, simulate, and design RF hardware at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures (bias tees, filters, …)
- Rapidly design and prototype sub-systems for Qubits control, considering the electromechanical integration inside of the cryostat or the racks.
- Analyze and compare different RF component manufacturing technologies (substrates, processes, connectors, packaging, cables, etc.) in terms of performance, EMC, accessibility, and feasibility.
- Assist with test bench setup, cabling, equipment maintenance and monitoring.
- Perform lab measurements using RF bench equipment (VNAs and analyzers).
- Define, optimize, and automate the test programs needed to qualify or validate system hardware conformity.
- Preparing complete, well-documented test plans and reports results.
- Monitor instrument and component stock.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and integrate systems required to control quantum chip architectures.
Requirements:
- Engineering or master's student (4-5 years of higher education) specializing in microwave frequencies, RF electronics, telecommunications, applied physics, computing, instrumentation, or related fields.
- Solid understanding of RF systems, S-Parameters, and wave propagation.
- Experience with RF test equipment, signal characterization and analysis techniques (VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, and oscilloscope).
- Experience with RF cad tools (HFSS, Keysight ADS,…)
- Familiarity with Python for RF data analysis and post-processing (NumPy, scikit-rf, matplotlib).
- Familiarity of using basic lab and prototyping tools (multimeter, torque driver, power tools, soldering iron).
- Ability to work as part of a team, with a strong spirit of innovation.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral. (English level B1/B2)
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Benefits:
- 1 day off per month
- Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law)
- Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen
Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.
You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!
We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The structural evolution of superconducting quantum architectures toward fault-tolerant operation necessitates a specialized integration layer focused on the precise design and characterization of microwave-frequency control systems. As the industry transitions from proof-of-concept experiments to large-scale systems, the role of RF sub-system specialists serves as a critical bridge between room-temperature control electronics and cryogenic quantum processors. This role type addresses a significant bottleneck in the hardware stack where signal integrity and thermal management directly dictate qubit coherence and gate fidelity. By optimizing the RF signal chain across extreme temperature gradients, this function ensures the reliable scaling of control hardware required for universal quantum computing. Market analysis suggests that expertise in this niche domain is a primary determinant for organizations attempting to overcome the physical wiring and signal bottlenecks inherent in high-qubit-count systems.
The global quantum hardware sector is currently navigating a period of intense technological maturation, shifting focus toward the stability and scalability of the entire control stack. While initial breakthroughs centered on isolated qubit lifetimes, the current industry priority lies in bridging classical and quantum capabilities at scale. This transition is constrained by macro-level factors, including a critical shortage of engineers who possess combined expertise in radio frequency engineering and cryogenic physics. Furthermore, the diversification of hardware modalities has led to a fragmented vendor ecosystem where standardized components often fail to meet the rigorous low-noise and thermal requirements of next-generation superconducting processors.
Public funding cycles and national quantum strategies in Europe and North America have increasingly prioritized the development of sovereign hardware supply chains. This shift favors the development of modular, high-density RF sub-systems that can minimize the physical footprint within dilution refrigerators while maintaining ultra-high signal purity. The integration of these components represents a significant technical challenge at the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–6 range, where laboratory-grade prototypes must be transformed into industrial-grade subsystems.
Macro-level constraints such as thermal load management and interconnect density are driving a move toward heterogeneous architectures. These systems require precise characterization of passive and active RF components under cryogenic conditions to mitigate systemic errors. Sector-wide efforts continue to address these talent and integration challenges by fostering early-career immersion in specialized deep-tech environments. This strategic focus on the "hardware enablement" layer is vital for reducing the systemic risks associated with scaling superconducting architectures to the millions of physical qubits required for practical fault tolerance.
The capability architecture for this role type centers on the synthesis of microwave engineering principles with the unique environmental constraints of quantum thermodynamics. At the foundational layer, mastery of S-parameter analysis, wave propagation, and electromagnetic interference is essential for ensuring signal fidelity across the control loop. These technical domains are coupled with proficiency in high-performance simulation tools and automated characterization workflows, which are critical for the iterative refinement of sub-system prototypes. Such capabilities enable the structural throughput of hardware development by standardizing the validation of components like bias tees, filters, and cryogenic cabling. Furthermore, the ability to interface with multi-disciplinary teams across physics and digital design facilitates a high-level coupling between abstract system requirements and robust electromechanical implementations. This cross-functional alignment is vital for maintaining the integrity of the quantum-classical interface, ensuring that improvements in qubit architecture are supported by a commensurate evolution in control hardware performance and reliability.
Accelerates the deterministic progression of technology readiness levels for scalable superconducting quantum control hardware
Mitigates systemic risks associated with signal decoherence through the optimization of low-noise cryogenic RF chains
Facilitates the transition from laboratory-scale experiments to standardized industrial-grade quantum hardware platforms
Reduces iteration friction in the development of fault-tolerant systems by establishing rigorous characterization protocols
Strengthens the long-term competitive positioning of deep-tech organizations through specialized microwave engineering expertise
Harmonizes abstract quantum chip requirements with the practical constraints of electromechanical and thermal integration
Optimizes the lifecycle of control instrumentation by improving the reliability and footprint of passive RF components
Supports the scaling of quantum processors by addressing the physical wiring and signal density bottlenecks
Shortens the time-to-market for universal quantum computers by ensuring infrastructure alignment with qubit development
Improves the fidelity of quantum operations through the precise calibration and validation of microwave signal paths
Protects capital-intensive investments in hardware R\&D by providing expert technical validation of emerging RF technologies
Enables the strategic orchestration of hardware development efforts across multi-disciplinary global research and engineering teams
Industry Tags: Superconducting Qubits, Cryogenic RF Engineering, Microwave Electronics, Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing, Signal Integrity, Hardware Integration, Technology Readiness Level, Quantum Control Systems, Alice & Bob
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