Quantum Communications Engineer Intern

Job Summary

The Quantum Communications Intern develops, tests, and integrates next-generation secure communication systems by applying principles of quantum mechanics, including entanglement and photon polarization. This role focuses on designing and optimizing terrestrial quantum networking technologies, including single-photon sources, detectors, and quantum repeaters.

The position will collaborate with interdisciplinary research, engineering, and infrastructure teams to translate theoretical quantum communication protocols into practical, scalable, and highly secure data transmission solutions supporting terrestrial and space-based infrastructure initiatives.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate quantum communication and networking systems.
• Support development and testing of secure quantum data transmission technologies.
• Configure and optimize experimental photonics and quantum optics environments.
• Assist in development of terrestrial quantum networking architectures and infrastructure models.
• Collaborate with engineering, research, and infrastructure teams to support pilot quantum initiatives.
• Develop technical documentation, diagrams, presentations, and findings for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support evaluation of emerging quantum networking platforms, protocols, and technologies.
  
  

Flexible Roles and Responsibilities

• Research emerging advancements in quantum networking, photonics, and distributed quantum systems.
• Support proposal development and strategic planning activities related to quantum infrastructure initiatives.
  
  

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with quantum optics and experimental photonics systems.
• Strong understanding of quantum mechanics concepts including entanglement, photon polarization, and quantum communication protocols.
• Experience with programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C .
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary technical teams.
• This role operates on a hybrid work model, allowing flexibility to work remotely while also requiring work from MCNC offices.
• Background and sex offender checks will be performed for pre-employment and annually during employment with the company.
• This role will be required to adhere to the MCNC Substance Abuse policy, which may include drug/alcohol screening at hire and periodically or randomly during employment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications/Specialties

• Familiarity and experience with optical power meters, lasers polarization controllers, electro optic modulators, free space optics and alignment, free space to fiber optic couplers.
  
  

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

MCNC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.