About this role
Software Engineering Intern – Post-Quantum Cryptography
Duration: 6 months
Location: Paris, Oxford, Remote
Start Date: ASAP
💼 About the role
We are looking for a motivated Software Prototype Intern to help integrate and benchmark our post-quantum cryptographic libraries PQMicroLib-Core, PQCryptoLib-Core, and PQCryptoLib-SDK with higher-level software solutions.
This internship focuses on building practical integration scenarios on top of our cryptographic core, validating real-world usability, and benchmarking performance against existing alternatives. The goal is to create credible use cases that support product strategy, customer discussions, and future R&D priorities, while identifying performance bottlenecks and improvement areas.
⚒️ What you’ll be doing
Develop integration scenarios using PQMicroLib-Core and related libraries with higher-level software components.
Explore real-world use cases using open-source and proprietary software.
Perform benchmarking and performance analysis of cryptographic operations.
Compare results with existing alternatives and identify performance bottlenecks.
Propose and validate potential optimizations.
Produce technical documentation and internal demonstrations.
Work closely with R&D engineers to validate feasibility and reduce technical risk
🎯 Required Skills And Qualifications
Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
Proficiency in C/C++ and Python (or similar systems/programming languages).
Basic understanding of cryptography and secure software design.
Experience with Linux and open-source development environments (embedded is a plus).
Strong analytical mindset and interest in performance engineering.
Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Interest in post-quantum cryptography is a strong plus.
📈 Expected Outcomes
Integration Demonstrations – Two working proof-of-concept integrations built on top of PQMicroLib-Core.
Benchmarking & Analysis – Clear performance benchmarks, comparison with alternatives, and identified bottlenecks.
Documentation & Knowledge Sharing – Integration guides, benchmark reports, and final presentation to the team.
Strategic Impact – Results that can be reused by product, sales, and partnerships to support customer discussions.
🧠 What You’ll Gain
Hands-on experience with post-quantum cryptographic software.
Exposure to real-world integration and performance challenges.
Direct impact on product strategy and customer-facing use cases.
Mentorship from experienced engineers and security experts.
Visibility across engineering, product, sales, and management teams.
PQShield is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We’re passionate about talent and proud to foster an inclusive environment; all applicants will be considered regardless of their gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.
Other facts
About PQShield
Our team is shaping the way our digital world is protected against the threats of tomorrow. In a time when quantum computers will soon be able to break current cryptography methods, we're focused on empowering organizations, industries, and nations, with the ultimate quantum-resistant cryptography solutions.
PQShield was selected as a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer in 2021, a FAST COMPANY winner 2022, WIRED Trailblazer 2023 and Bloomberg’s Startups to Watch 2023.
Our expertise, clarity and care enable us to deliver new global standards alongside real-world, post-quantum hardware and software upgrades - modernizing the vital security systems and components of the world's technology supply chain.
Have you subscribed to our Podcast yet? - Shielded, the last line of cyber defense. Find us on all platforms:
Listen Now:
👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PQShield/podcasts
👉 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/3z88i6u9zC6NSKQWXeQ7iv
👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shielded-the-last-line-of-cyber-defense/id1801522285
What you'll do
- The intern will develop integration scenarios using post-quantum cryptographic libraries and perform benchmarking and performance analysis. They will also work closely with R&D engineers to validate feasibility and reduce technical risk.
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