Embedded Systems & FPGA Engineer (all genders)

Job description

**About us** 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. **Key Responsibilities** 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. **What You Bring** - 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. **Nice to Have** - 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. **What We Offer** - 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!