zerothird is a Vienna-based deep-tech company specialising in entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution (eQKD). Our technology — rooted in Nobel Prize-winning research on quantum entanglement — enables encryption keys to be generated locally from entangled photon states, making interception physically impossible.
We develop and deploy the full hardware and service stack for quantum-secure communications, targeting critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and government organisations across Europe.
As part of our next-generation hardware platform development, we are looking for an experienced Embedded Systems & FPGA Engineer to join our core engineering team.
Embedded Linux & Firmware
- Develop and maintain embedded Linux BSPs, including kernel configuration, device tree authoring, and board bring-up.
- Write Linux device drivers and kernel modules for custom FPGA peripherals and on-board hardware.
- Implement low-level firmware and middleware in C/C++/Rust for FPGA logic and communication interfaces.
- Configure and optimize bootloaders and root filesystems for embedded CPU modules.
- Develop userspace applications and automated hardware testing tools.
FPGA Design & Integration
- Implement RTL designs in VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog.
- Integrate vendor and custom FPGA IP cores and define HW/SW interfaces.
- Support simulation, verification, synthesis, timing closure, and in-system debugging.
- Collaborate closely during board bring-up and system integration activities.
System Integration & Debugging
- Debug complex HW/SW/FPGA interactions using laboratory equipment and protocol analyzers.
- Contribute to system architecture, documentation, and interface specifications.
- 3–8 years of experience in embedded systems engineering, FPGA development, or mixed HW/SW engineering.
- Strong experience with embedded Linux, kernel drivers, device trees, and bootloaders.
- Solid proficiency in C/C++ and/or Rust.
- Experience with RTL design and FPGA integration.
- Hands-on debugging experience in hardware environments.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-moving engineering team.
- Experience with Rust for embedded systems.
- Familiarity with RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
- Experience with Xilinx/AMD SoC platforms and toolchains.
- Scripting experience using Python, TCL, or Bash.
- Knowledge of PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, or DSP toolchains.
- The opportunity to work on cutting-edge quantum-secure communication technology.
- Direct impact on a next-generation hardware platform from concept to production.
- High autonomy and ownership in a small, highly skilled engineering team.
- Collaboration within a strong European deep-tech ecosystem supported by EU programmes and leading investors.
- Long-term growth opportunities into specialist or technical leadership roles.
If you are excited about building cutting-edge quantum communication technology at the intersection of embedded Linux and FPGA development, we would love to hear from you.
The minimum gross salary for this position is €3,824.50 per month (full-time) according to the applicable collective agreement. Depending on qualifications and experience, we offer a highly competitive overpayment.
We look forward to receiving your application!
