Hardware Development Engineer (all genders)

Join Our Mission to Advance Quantum Communication in Space

At Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH (qtlabs), we are at the forefront of innovation in optical and quantum-based communication technologies. Our team develops cutting-edge quantum key distribution (QKD) systems and optoelectronic solutions for space and terrestrial applications. Based in Vienna, our center of excellence drives technological advancements that secures communication around the world.

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees!

About the Role

Join us in building the next generation of secure quantum communication systems—for space and beyond. As a Hardware Development Engineer, you will design and develop high-performance electronics that power cutting-edge Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. Working in a multidisciplinary team of physicists and engineers, you'll contribute to technology that pushes the boundaries of secure communications and space innovation.

To support our growing hardware team, we are looking for an experienced engineer with a passion for PCB design, signal integrity, and innovative electronic systems. In this role, you'll take ownership of hardware designs from concept through validation while collaborating closely with physicists, FPGA developers, and embedded systems engineers.

This role is ideal for engineers who thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and are motivated by working at the intersection of quantum physics, electronics, and space technology.

While we welcome applications from all qualified candidates, those available to start in the near term are especially encouraged to apply.

Your Responsibilities

• Bring-up, characterize, and troubleshoot hardware prototypes.
• Design and develop analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronic hardware.
• Create PCB schematics and layouts using Altium Designer (or comparable EDA tools).
• Develop low-power and high-performance electronic architectures.
• Design isolated DC/DC power supplies and supporting circuitry.
• Perform circuit simulations, signal integrity analysis, and hardware validation.
• Ensure EMC/EMI-compliant hardware design from concept through validation.
• Collaborate with firmware, FPGA, and systems engineers throughout the product lifecycle.
• Perform laboratory testing, debugging, and prototype validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in hardware development (or equivalent demonstrated expertise).
• We're looking for engineers with solid hardware development experience and expertise in several of the following areas. We don't expect candidates to have experience in every topic listed below.

Essential Skills

• Strong experience in PCB design and layout using Altium Designer (or similar EDA software).
• Solid understanding of mixed-signal electronics and low-power design.
• Experience designing isolated DC/DC power supplies.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT).
• Practical experience with circuit simulation tools such as LTspice.
• Experience with Signal Integrity (SI) analysis and PCB signal integrity simulation.
• Experience with EMC/EMI-aware hardware design and pre-compliance testing.

Nice to Have

• High-speed digital PCB or RF design experience.
• FPGA hardware development experience.
• Experience with space electronics, aerospace, or other high-reliability applications.
• Python scripting for laboratory automation, hardware testing, or data analysis.

What We Offer

• Challenging projects with cutting-edge electronic systems.
• A highly motivated and interdisciplinary engineering team.
• Work on cutting-edge quantum communication systems for space applications.
• Small, agile engineering team with fast decision-making.
• Opportunity to influence product architecture from concept to deployment.
• Flexible working hours and a collaborative engineering culture.

Interested?
We'd love to hear from you. Please send us your CV and, if available, a brief cover letter describing your experience and your earliest possible start date.

Don't worry if you don't meet every requirement. If you have strong hardware development experience and are excited about quantum technologies, we encourage you to apply.

The minimum gross salary for this position is € 3.378,48 per month (based on full-time employment) in accordance with the collective agreement. However, there is a willingness to offer a higher salary depending on experience and qualifications.