Quantum Algorithm Development Intern

At Allstate, we achieve great things when our people work together to protect families and their belongings from life's uncertainties. For over 90 years, our innovative drive has kept us ahead of our customers' evolving needs, from advocating for seat belts and air bags to leading in pricing sophistication, telematics, and device and identity protection.

Job Description

We are seeking students for our Summer 2027 Internship Program. The Quantum Algorithm Development Intern will support research and development efforts focused on applying quantum computing to real-world optimization, machine learning, and analytics challenges. Working alongside technical experts, interns will develop and evaluate quantum algorithms, build simulations and prototypes, analyze quantum and classical approaches, and contribute to collaborative projects with industry and academic partners. This role is ideal for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent graduates with a background in computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field who are passionate about emerging technologies, problem-solving, and translating advanced research into practical applications.

This position is part of our Summer 2027 Internship Program.

This internship is designed for senior-level undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates interested in applying quantum computing to real-world optimization, machine learning, and analytics challenges. Preference will be given to candidates in the Chicago, IL area.

As a Quantum Algorithm Development Intern, you will work alongside technical experts to explore emerging quantum technologies, contribute to projects collaborating with partners in industry and academia, and investigate how quantum and classical approaches can be applied to complex business problems.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, enjoys solving difficult problems, and has a strong foundation in computing, mathematics, analytics, or engineering. This role offers hands-on experience conducting research, developing technical solutions, and communicating findings in a rapidly evolving field.

Key Responsibilities

As an intern, you will:

• Assist in the development and evaluation of quantum computing algorithms for optimization, machine learning, and related applications.
• Build simulations and prototypes using quantum and classical computing tools.
• Analyze and compare the performance of quantum and classical approaches through numerical experiments.
• Investigate a defined technical or research question with guidance from team members.
• Contribute to research studies, technical documentation, presentations, and proof-of-concept projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams and, when applicable, external researchers from universities, national laboratories, and industry.
• Help identify practical problems that could potentially benefit from future advances in quantum computing.
• Learn and apply best practices in scientific computing, data analysis, and algorithm development.
• Communicate progress, raise questions when support is needed, and incorporate feedback throughout the project.

Minimum Qualifications

Current undergraduate student entering senior year, current graduate student, or recent graduate pursuing a degree in:

• Computer Science
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Industrial Engineering
• Operations Research
• Electrical Engineering
• Or a related quantitative or technical field

Coursework, research, or project experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Quantum Computing
• Linear Algebra
• Algorithms
• Mathematical Optimization
• Machine Learning
• Scientific Computing
• Experience programming in Python or a similar technical programming language.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn by asking questions and tackling unfamiliar challenges.
• Interest in emerging technologies and their real-world applications.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong candidates bring experience from a Quantum Computing track, in combination with a Classical Analytics track, or related fields. While some prior exposure to quantum computing is required, applicants are not expected to have experience in every area listed below.

Quantum Computing Background

One or more of the following:

• Introductory coursework or project experience in quantum computing.
• Familiarity with quantum circuits or quantum algorithms.
• Experience with quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, CUDA-Q, or similar tools.
• Coursework, research, or projects involving quantum information science.

Classical Analytics Background

One or more of the following:

• Machine learning or predictive modeling.
• Mathematical optimization, operations research, or decision science.
• Data analysis, statistics, or scientific computing.
• Experience with optimization libraries, machine learning frameworks, or numerical methods.
• Experience applying analytical or computational methods to technical or business problems.

What Will Help You Succeed

Successful interns in this role will demonstrate:

• Intellectual curiosity and an interest in investigating unanswered questions.
• Ability to work independently while communicating when support is needed.
• Comfort learning unfamiliar technical concepts.
• Ability to explain complex work clearly and concisely.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Openness to feedback and collaboration.
• Ability to connect technical findings to practical applications.

Compensation range for this role is between $32.69 and $36.54 an hour depending on experience and qualifications.

Joining our team isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to take your skills to the next level, challenge the status quo, and shape the future of protection while supporting causes that matter to you. Joining our team means being part of something bigger: a winning team making a meaningful impact.