Electronic-Photonic Hardware Engineer for Quantum Safe Communications Systems

Functieomschrijving

Vision - Quantum Safe Communications Testbed in Eindhoven

Secure communications and networking have become a key cornerstone for the Internet enabling several trusted applications which we take for granted today. For example, services such as in banking, connected transport, digital medical records, defence, governmental and of course data communications – would be challenging should the trust in modern communication systems be lost. As quantum technologies progress rapidly, the growing capabilities of quantum computers threatens the security and then the trust of current cryptographic technologies and protocols. Preventing this threat requires adoption of quantum safe cryptography in the form of post-quantum crypto (PQC) algorithms and protocols and/or using quantum key distribution (QKD). Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has established an open access testbed for quantum safe communications where various QKD and PQC solutions are evaluated and tested. Various research activities at TU/e are developing continuous and discrete variable QKD transmitters and receivers (based on electronic and photonic integration technology). At TU/e, QKD systems have been developed to run the required full signal processing chain in real-time at relatively high secret key rates. The testbed evaluates these QKD systems together with

PQC for real-world applicable quantum safe communication solutions and investigates their integration with classical communication networks. 

Quantum key distribution nodes to be deployed in the field in Eindhoven

The Project – European Quantum Communications Infrastructure project QCINed

The project Quantum Communications Infrastructure in the Netherlands (QCINed)  is a 10 million Euro project which is carrying out research and development of systems engineered for quantum key distribution as well as relevant encryption and classical communication systems (https://quantumdelta.nl/qcined). In collaboration with QuTech at TU Delft, Surf and various other small to medium enterprises in the Netherlands, QCINed project aims to establish the basis for a national (and European cross border) quantum communications infrastructure. We aim to prove real operation of quantum safe communications deployed in the field with industrial and governmental use-cases. We will demonstrate the full stack hardware and software components, bringing together systems from various vendors.

The Position

Hence, we are looking for a qualified hardware engineer or post-doctoral researcher for development and deployment of electronic photonic hardware systems within our quantum safe communications testbed. The engineer will focus on the development of continuous/discrete-variable quantum key distribution using graphics processing units (GPUs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for rapid prototyping of digital signal processing/post processing algorithms key for quantum secure communications transceiver development. Our teams are currently developing Electronic-Photonic Integrated Quantum Secure Communications systems (based on various semiconductor material systems exploiting hybrid and heterogenous integration where possible). This will enable advanced prototypes of the Quantum communications systems to be demonstrated. The ambition is to demonstrate beyond state-of-the-art performance and to pave a way for these systems to be commercially developed by start-ups in our ecosystem.

The position is in tight collaboration with the research groups developing the quantum safe communications testbed and bridges the research efforts on developing QKD hardware in-house. Depending on the chosen candidate, this position may take a more research or more engineering focused direction. The candidate will take the lead in specifying the system, contributing or driving the team developing the hardware and software components. Taking inspiration from the matured optical transceiver market roadmaps and supply chain, the candidate will also interact with industrial partners to drive the certification and standardisation of quantum safe communications.

About High-Capacity Optical Transmission at TU/e, EHCI Institute and QuantumDelta NL

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university specializing in engineering, science & technology. Through excellent research and teaching, TU/e contribute to progress in the technical sciences, to the development of technological innovations, and as a result to the growth of prosperity and welfare in the region and beyond. TU/e supports close links with industry, healthcare, and the building & logistics sectors. TU/e is a central part of the Brainport Eindhoven region, which combines research on future technologies and several open innovation campuses with a strong industrial base including a mix of small, medium, and large global enterprises. TU/e has formed the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI) and Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven (QT/e) both with the explicit aim for furthering quantum technologies.  The candidate will be embedded in the high-capacity optical transmission lab at ECO group, a well-equipped laboratory focused on developing high-capacity, ultra secure and robust optical communications systems. The lab is well funded by several European Commission projects and by the Dutch Ministry of Economic and Climate Affairs through two national growth funds programmes in Quantum Communications/Sensing and Photonics.

Quantum Delta NL (QDNL) is public-private foundation, launched in 2020 with the mandate to coordinate and execute the Netherland’s National Agenda for Quantum Technology (NAQT). Quantum Delta NL has been awarded €615 million from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to power the advancement of quantum technology. TU/e hosts one of five QDNL major quantum hubs, collaborating on innovation by bringing together top-quality scientists, engineers, students, and entrepreneurs, working together on the frontier of quantum technology. The Eindhoven Quantum hub includes the creation of a field-deployed quantum safe communications testbed with the aim to become a testing facility and proving ground for quantum communications technology open to scientific and commercial partners form all over Europe and around the globe. 

Functie-eisen

• A PhD or master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, Quantum Physics, Quantum Secured Communication technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in analog and digital signal processing, FPGA/GPU hardware programming and or application specific integrated circuit design
• Strong experimental laboratory experience
• Desirable to have experience in Electronics, Photonics and/or Semiconductor technology.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Verilog/VHDL, Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
• Strong motivation to deliver groundbreaking work and ambition to excel.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Demonstrate ability to work in a structured way within large interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop professional skills such as team management and working with students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Please note: Each project requires a different mix of skills and attitude. Please use the TU/e PhD Competence Profile to determine which competences you find most important and want to mention as a job requirement (aside from the aspects mentioned above)

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

As a Postdoc we can offer you a meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for two years with the possibility of an extension.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €3,877 max. €5,090).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Teamis available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.
   

Informatie en sollicitatie

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Chigo Okonkwo (cokonkwo@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email HRServices.flux@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

Candidates are invited to apply via the ‘Apply now’ button on the individual job openings linked above. The application should include: 

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for this specific position (please avoid using generic motivation letters)  
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications/patents/achievements and the contact information of two references. 
• A copy of your BSc/master’s or PhD Thesis 
• Copies of diplomas and course grades 

We look forward to your application and will screen at the earliest opportunity. The screening will continue until the position has been filled. We strive to a starting date soon as possible provided final subsidy confirmation is formalized.