Quantum Hardware Internship Programme 2026

About The Role And Team
We are delighted to announce our Quantum Theory Internship Programme for Summer 2026.

Work at the interface between research and industry with an internship at Quantum Motion. Our paid internships are targeted towards talented PhD-level researchers who would like to apply their research in an industry setting. Join us for a four-month programme over the summer of 2026

Our Team
Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the "Top 100 Startups worth watching" in the EE Times, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We're backed by a team of top-tier investors including Bosch Ventures, Porsche SE, Sony Innovation Fund, Oxford Sciences Innovations, INKEF Capital and Octopus Ventures, and we have so far raised over £62 million in equity and grant funding.

We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers to create a unique, world-leading team, working together closely to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

Our team of 100+ is based across London, Oxford, San Sebastián and Sydney, with our primary hub in Islington (London).

Functions Of The Role
Interns will be embedded within the Quantum Theory team and will be assigned a supervisor to help guide progress. You will contribute towards research and development within the following areas:

• Applications and algorithms
• Quantum error correction
• Silicon device modelling
• Fault-tolerant architectures

Projects will be tailored to your research interests and prior experience gained during your PhD, but should align with at least one of the target areas. This is an exciting opportunity to help build towards a large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer based upon semiconductor spin hardware.

When: Typically 4 months starting around May 2026, with flexibility for the intern's availability and preferences.

Where: Interns are expected to be based in the UK during the program and should regularly visit our London office. Applications are accepted from across the world, with support provided for obtaining a visa if needed.

How do we apply?

As part of the application form, you'll be prompted to select which of the four research areas you'd most like to work in. If you are interested in more than one area, please feel free to mention this in your cover letter.

• Please submit a CV, alongside details of 2 referees. Provide a cover letter to detail why you want to work with Quantum Motion as well as describing your research interests and how they align with the Quantum Theory team.

• Short interview process

• Introductory call with our hiring team (30 minutes, online)

• Technical Interview with the relevant team (30 minutes, online or in-person if close to London)

Internship Application Deadline: January 16th, 2026 at 18:00 GMT+0.

Note that interviews will run on a rolling basis and positions may be filled sooner.

Experience - Essentials
Who: We are looking for applicants who are curious, proactive, adaptable and have a passion for quantum technologies. Interns will be pursuing (or have recently completed) a PhD-level degree that includes research in one of the target areas listed above. Projects are expected to deliver novel research, with deliverables including academic papers and new software.

Experience - Desirable
Looking for more early-career opportunities? Check out our other programmes:

• Quantum Motion PhD program (UK or Australia)
• Quantum Hardware Internship Programme (UK)
• Quantum Engineer Rotation Programme (Hiring Soon)

Benefits

• Working with a World-Leading Team: Collaborate daily with world-leading experts in silicon spin qubits, quantum architectures, and scalable CMOS technology.
• Paid Internship: Receive a competitive intern salary aligned with your skills and experience.
• Pension Scheme: Internships lasting three months or longer will be enrolled into the company pension scheme (subject to eligibility criteria).
• Direct Industrial Experience: Gain crucial, hands-on experience applying fundamental science to commercial hardware challenges.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: For relevant projects, access and operate state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including dilution refrigerators and advanced measurement platforms.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Receive guidance from an assigned industry expert and team members throughout your internship, with a focus on on achieving specific project goals.

EEO Statement
Quantum Motion is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colour, religion, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment, religion or any other protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.

About Us
Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London founded by internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University with over 40 years' experience in developing qubits and quantum computing architectures. Bringing together state-of-the-art cryogenic facilities and an outstanding interdisciplinary team, we are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.