Software Engineer for Quantum Networking (QKD Devices) at Q*Bird, Delft
Job Description
Q*Bird is hiring a software engineer for the team that writes the software running on its quantum networking devices. You will be one of the core engineers, owning problems end to end: designing, building, testing and documenting both extensions to existing subsystems and whole new ones. The work includes services in a distributed system of network devices, new communication protocols between quantum network devices secured with cryptography, API design and integration with existing routing infrastructure. Q*Bird says familiarity with quantum physics is not required; it will teach you that.
At a glance
- Role: Software Engineer for Quantum Networking
- Location: Delft, Netherlands (full time)
- Experience: Ideally 3+ years of Rust (or Python, C++ or Go) and 2+ years of commercial software
- Quantum background: Not required
- Posted: 20 July 2026
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 14 October 2026)
What the role covers
- Develop services in a service-oriented architecture, within and between distributed quantum network devices
- Define new communication protocols between quantum network devices and secure them with cryptography
- Design APIs and interface with existing communication and routing infrastructure
- Extend existing subsystems and build new ones, from design to documentation
- Work with prototype systems and with the hardware team when needed, learning new languages such as Rust
What Q*Bird is looking for
- A master’s degree in computer science, engineering or a similar field
- Hands-on software development with pride in quality code
- Ideally 3+ years of Rust, or experience in Python, C++ or Go and a wish to learn Rust
- Ideally 2+ years developing commercial software, preferably networking products, secure communications or high-security systems
- Experience with agile ways of working, and enthusiasm for a mixed team of hardware engineers, software engineers and scientists
Pay and location
Q*Bird offers a competitive salary package matched to skills and experience, but the posting does not give a figure. The job is full time in Delft; Q*Bird notes it does not expect every applicant to meet every point, as long as they are strong in the key areas.
How to apply
Apply through the official Q*Bird job posting. Q*Bird’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 14 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
See all our quantum technology jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Q*Bird
Official advertisement: www.q-bird.com
How to prepare for this application
- Learn the basics of how a QKD network works (key generation, key management, trusted nodes) so you can talk about where software fits.
- Show a networking or security-sensitive system you built, and the protocols or APIs you designed.
- If you have not used Rust, try a small project in it before the interview.
- Prepare questions about how Q*Bird's devices integrate with existing telecom and data-centre networks.
About Q*Bird
Q*Bird is a Delft company building hardware and software for the quantum internet. Its products include the Falqon® quantum key distribution (QKD) series, the Falqon® Key Manager and a Quantum Domain Controller, used to add quantum-secure links to existing networks. Its team mixes optics, hardware, embedded software and networking-protocol engineers.
