How to apply for Residency Program

About SandboxAQ

SandboxAQ is a fast-growing AI + quantum startup spun out of Alphabet, focused on solving some of the world's hardest problems in cryptography, drug discovery, materials science, navigation, and geophysics. What makes it unique is its hybrid approach—combining physics-based models with AI and accelerated hardware to deliver real-world solutions today, not decades from now. If you want to work at the intersection of quantum technology, AI, and global security, this is a rare opportunity to join a well-funded, mission-driven team.

About the role

The Residency Program at SandboxAQ is a launchpad for early-career scientists and engineers to build deep technical skills while directly contributing to projects that protect global data infrastructure and advance quantum sensing. You'll work on migrating legacy cryptosystems to quantum-resistant algorithms, scaling next-gen sensors with AI, or developing hybrid quantum/classical applications for drug discovery and materials science. This isn't a typical internship—it's an immersive, project-based residency designed to give you career capital and real impact from day one.

A typical day

A typical day might involve collaborating with a small team on a cryptography migration project, writing code to test quantum-resistant algorithms, or analyzing sensor data to improve AI models. You'll have mentorship sessions, participate in design reviews, and spend focused time on your residency project—all while working remotely with colleagues across time zones. Expect a mix of independent deep work and interactive problem-solving with experts in quantum, AI, and security.

Who SandboxAQ is looking for

• Strong foundation in computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field—likely a recent graduate or early-career professional.
• Familiarity with cryptography, quantum computing, AI/ML, or scientific computing (e.g., Python, C++, quantum SDKs, or simulation tools).
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and tackle open-ended technical problems, whether through research projects, hackathons, or personal projects.
• Genuine interest in SandboxAQ's mission areas: post-quantum cryptography, quantum sensing, and AI-driven scientific discovery.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any hands-on experience with quantum computing frameworks (Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane) or post-quantum cryptography libraries (e.g., Open Quantum Safe) in your resume and cover letter.
• Show that you understand the 'Store Now, Decrypt Later' threat and why migrating from RSA/ECC to quantum-resistant algorithms is urgent—mention this in your application to demonstrate alignment with SandboxAQ's core work.
• If you've worked on AI for science (e.g., drug discovery, materials simulation), emphasize how you combined physics-based modeling with machine learning, as this is central to SandboxAQ's hybrid approach.
• Tailor your narrative to one or more of SandboxAQ's impact sectors (life sciences, navigation, geophysics) and explain why that area excites you.
• Since the program is remote, demonstrate your ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in distributed teams—mention any remote project experience.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your specific interest in SandboxAQ's mission to secure global data infrastructure against quantum threats and advance quantum sensing—tie it to a personal or academic experience.", 'Concrete examples of technical projects where you applied AI, quantum algorithms, or cryptography to solve real-world problems.', 'How the residency will help you grow into a contributor who can bridge physics, AI, and accelerated hardware—show you understand the hybrid quantum/classical paradigm.', 'Your ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment and work remotely, with evidence of self-driven learning and collaboration.']

Research before applying

• Study SandboxAQ's product suite, especially AQtive Guard (cryptography management) and AQNav (quantum sensing for navigation), to understand their real-world applications.
• Read about the 'Store Now, Decrypt Later' attack and NIST's post-quantum cryptography standardization process—SandboxAQ is actively involved in this space.
• Explore SandboxAQ's published research or blog posts on AI for drug discovery and materials science to grasp their hybrid modeling techniques.
• Look into the backgrounds of SandboxAQ's leadership (e.g., CEO Jack Hidary) and their vision for AI + quantum, as this context will help you tailor your answers.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Explain the difference between RSA/ECC and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, and why migration is critical for global security.
• How would you approach combining physics-based simulations with AI models to accelerate drug discovery or materials science?
• Describe a time you learned a complex technical concept quickly and applied it to a project—what was your process?
• What are the challenges of scaling quantum sensors for real-world applications like navigation or geophysics, and how can AI help?
• Why SandboxAQ? What specifically about our hybrid quantum/classical approach resonates with your background and goals?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating this as a generic internship application—failing to mention quantum, AI, or cryptography specifics will make you look unprepared.
• Overemphasizing theoretical knowledge without showing practical application; SandboxAQ values builders who can translate ideas into code or experiments.
• Ignoring the remote aspect—not demonstrating how you stay productive and connected in a distributed team could raise concerns about fit.