About this role
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. 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. 1 Embedded Systems & FPGA Engineer (all genders) 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 * Several 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. 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! Apply now: https://ams.at/su/9DBfx Das Mindestentgelt für die Stelle als Embedded Systems & FPGA Engineer (all genders) beträgt 3.824,50 EUR brutto pro Monat auf Basis Vollzeitbeschäftigung. Bereitschaft zur Überzahlung.