Internship: PIC Cryogenic Characterization and Packaging (H2/2026)

About the role

About Quandela Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company's unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient datacenters and scalability, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors. Join Us at the Forefront of Quantum Computing Innovation 🚀 Description of the Team The internship will be conducted in the Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) department of Quandela. The PICs team works on the production and development of the optical processors of Quandela quantum computers, having in mind performance and scalability. In detail, the team members carry out electromagnetic and thermal simulations to estimate the performance of the integrated components, prepare PICs layouts to be fabricated in collaboration with external foundries, and take care of both the characterization and the packaging of the fabricated devices. Your Key Responsibilities You will work on the cryogenic characterization and packaging of the integrated photonics building blocks that will be used in the next generation quantum photonic processors of Quandela. In detail, the characterization will involve the measurement of the main properties of components such as straight waveguides, directional couplers, polarization integrated splitters/rotators, spot-size converters, and electro-optic phase shifters in different materials such as SiN and LNOI. The characterization will be performed at room temperature and at cryogenic temperature (2-4 K), which involves realizing the packaging of chips with cryogenic application constraints. The activity could involve CAD design with commercial software and coding with Python for instrumentation control and data analysis. Depending on your previous experience and on the duration of the internship, you will be responsible of some of the following activities: Optical probing of PICs with optical fibers, fiber arrays, and lenses Electrical probing of PICs by DC and RF probes Characterization of PICs performance at cryogenic temperature PICs packaging (optical and electrical) at room and/or cryogenic temperature Use of manual and motorized translation stages for precise alignment between PICs and probes Use of continuous operation and closed cycle cryocooler Use of CW lasers, polarization optics and driving electronics Writing of Python scripts for running the measurements and analyzing the retrieved data CAD design for fabricating mechanical pieces Enrollment for the whole duration of the internship in a MSc in Physics, Telecom/Electronics Engineering, Photonics, Quantum Technologies or related fields. This position is only valid with an Internship Agreement. General knowledge of how a photonic integrated circuit works: which are the main integrated components, which are their required performances and how to characterize them Use of equipment commonly found in a photonic laboratory, such as lasers, bulk optics, fibers, alignment stages... Python proficiency for equipment control and automated characterization routines Great skills in data analysis Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams Strong communication skills in English and French Capability of running autonomously basic experiments after proper training Knowledge/experience in RF electronics, superconducting single photon detectors, and cryogenics in general is a plus Swile Card (meal vouchers) 🍴🛒 50% participation in transportation costs 🚆 Possibility of remote work 💻 Internship Allowance between €1,200 and €1,400 per month 💰 1,5 days off per month, cumulative 🧳 What we also offer A challenging and innovative work environment at the heart of quantum computing. A diverse and collaborative company culture. Opportunities for professional growth and skill development. At Quandela, we believe that the strength of our team is the plurality of experiences, perspectives, and journeys. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.