Network Engineer (or PostDoc) for Quantum Safe Communications Systems and Networks

Short introduction

Vision - Quantum 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 digital 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 threaten 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 network protocols and solutions for quantum safe communications, as well as 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.

Job Description

We are looking for a qualified network and software engineer or post-doctoral researcher to contribute to the design, deployment and operation of the quantum communications testbed. The activities include the deployment and testing of QKD and classical hardware and software systems, the automation and operation of the network, incl. research in management, control and monitoring solutions for combined classical and quantum communications infrastructure. You will join a highly dynamic team that has established a functioning network for quantum safe communications, including quantum and classical communications equipment from a variety of vendors and has adapted a number of network protocols to make use of quantum key material for improved security. The team has deployed and operates the quantum safe communications network in the field and the candidate is expected to contribute to the network operation and further deployment, and establish automated operational and monitoring systems for the quantum communications testbed. The candidate will interact with research and industrial partners to contribute to the deployment, certification and standardisation of quantum safe communications.

The position includes a number of activities, duties and responsibilities including:

• Analyses network architectures and performs network implementation planning and reviews.
• Prepares network deployment plans and post-deployment documentation.
• Plans and performs network operation and management for the quantum communications testbed.
• Designs and implements network operation tools and platforms and develops network management paradigms for quantum communication networks.
• Writes and analyses test plans, executes tests and evaluates test results for use at peer design reviews and project notebooks.
• Prepares and maintains product documentation, including data sheets, instruction manuals, project notebooks, design, and test documentation.
• Support the establishment, development, and operations of the testbed for quantum secure communications and networking.
• Provides and maintains accurate project plans. Manages and/or leads network deployment projects of moderate complexity.
• Supports the valorisation and research for which the quantum communications testbed serves as a base.

The position forms part of the Dutch and European efforts to establish a national (and in the future European) quantum communications infrastructure. Depending on the chosen candidate, this position may take a more research or more engineering focused direction.

You will join the Electro-Optical Communications group within the Department of Electrical Engineering and will be embedded with the team developing and deploying the quantum safe communications testbed. You will work in the facilities of the quantum communications and networking laboratories. You will work with the deployed network of the quantum safe communications testbed and actively collaborate with the industrial and academic partners in the QCINed project and QDNL programme.

About Quantum & Terahertz Systems team 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 contributes 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 Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) lab within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group, a well-equipped laboratory focussed on developing secure and robust optical and radio communications systems and demonstrating their value a variety of applications including 5G/6G networks, edge and cloud computing as well as autonomous mobility. The laboratory 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 and Photonics.

Quantum Delta NL (QDNL) is public-private foundation, launched in 2020 with the mandate to coordinate and execute the Netherlands’ 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 of becoming a testing facility and proving ground for quantum communications technology open to scientific and commercial partners from all over Europe and around the globe.

Job Requirements

We seek a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic network and software engineer. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent university degree) in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with an excellent academic record.
• Experience and a strong background in one or multiple of the following subjects (with typically 2+ years of combined experience):
  • Telecommunication networks
  • Optical and fibre communications
  • Network architectures, management and control
  • Classical and quantum cybersecurity systems
  • Configuration, commissioning and installation of communication networks and their operation
  • Preparation of telecommunication test setups
  • Design, commissioning and deployment of communication networks
  • Operation of communication networks
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Working knowledge of network operation processes, tools and procedures.
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Desire and affinity to work in an academic research lab with PhDs, Postdocs and MSc students.

Conditions of Employment

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:

• A well-equipped environment with opportunity to collaborate with colleagues working in the Quantum Delta NL ecosystem.
• Full-time employment for one year, with possibility of extension up to a maximum of 4 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 3,378 max. € 5,331).
• 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 Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr.ir. Simon Rommel (s.rommel@tue.nl).

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

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• 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.