Position Description A client of AlphaStaffHCM is looking for a Software Engineer with deep expertise in Quantum Information Theory and Network Security. This role is critical in building a secure data path for our quantum networking products. You will responsible for using theoretical quantum principles and photonic hardware to create deployment-ready software for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Zero-knowledge Proof (QZEK-P), Quantum Physical Unclonnable Functions (QPUF), and secure entanglement distribution.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-performance C++ software for real-time quantum cryptographic protocols, including entanglement-based polarization and time-energy QKD.
• Develop efficient algorithms for classical post-processing in quantum-secured systems, specifically focusing on Error Correction (Information Reconciliation), Privacy Amplification to maximize secure key rates, and quantum authentication/confirmation. 
• Architect the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for distributed quantum networking nodes (Alice/Bob), interfacing with single-photon detectors, polarization controllers, and time-tagging electronics.
• Optimize the full cryptographic stack for latency and throughput, ensuring seamless integration between quantum key generation, quantum authentication/confirmation, and the key management entity..
• Collaborate with optical physicists and FPGA engineers to deliver new features and provide updates as existing hardware is upgraded over time.
• Develop simulation tools to model channel loss, noise sources, and the statistical performance of quantum protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics is required.
• 6+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on systems, security, or embedded devices.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Deep domain knowledge of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols (e.g., BB84, E91, BBM92) and their implementation requirements.
• Experience implementing Error Correction codes (e.g., LDPC, Cascade, Winnow) or Forward Error Correction (FEC) specifically for noisy communication channels.
• Understanding of Quantum Information concepts, including entanglement distribution, Bell state measurement, and qubit polarization encoding.
• Familiarity with high-speed data acquisition and processing protocols (e.g., PCIe, DMA, UDP/TCP).
• Familiarity with Linux system programming and build toolchains (CMake, GCC/Clang).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of classical cryptography standards (AES, RSA, ECC) and PKI infrastructure.
• Familiarity with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms (Lattice-based, Hash-based).
• Experience with network security protocols (IPsec, TLS/SSL) and how QKD integrates into the OSI model.
• Background in Information Theory and statistical analysis for security proofs.

Preferred Education

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science, Physics, or Cryptography is highly preferred.

Skills C++, Python, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Error Correction, Cryptography, Network Security, Entanglement, Polarization, High Performance Computing, Linux, Algorithms.

Disclaimers: AlphaStaff, Inc. and the Client are equal employment opportunity employers and do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, past or present military service, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.