Hardware Engineering Summer Internship, Riverlane

• Proficiency in Python
• Solid understanding of low-level computer architecture
• Willingness to learn about FPGA development, quantum computing, and quantum error correction
• 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 15th June 2026 until Friday 4th September 2026
• We require a signed agreement from you assigning the ownership of any IP produced during your internship to Riverlane

Desirable

• Riverlane’s Local Clustering Decoder (LCD) is at the forefront of quantum error correction, capable of decoding surface code quantum memory experiments in under 1 microsecond per round of syndrome extraction - fast enough to keep up with today’s fastest superconducting qubits
• Its architecture already supports a wide variety of logical qubit operations that will be essential for the fault-tolerant quantum computers of the near future
• As an Engineering Intern, you will be responsible for investigating and implementing architectural optimisations that unlock greater flexibility and performance in the LCD decoder. Your work will help ensure this system meets the demands of next-generation quantum hardware, expected to come online within the next five years
• Collaborate with experienced hardware and software engineers to explore and evaluate architectural optimisations
• Enhance the decoder’s architecture to improve both flexibility and processing speed
• Contribute to key design decisions involving space/time trade-offs to balance functionality with performance

• 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 15th June 2026 until Friday 4th September 2026
• Please submit your application by Sunday 16th November 2025. Interviews will be held in Cambridge (or virtually if required) during late November/early December 2025