Software Prototype Intern – Post-Quantum Cryptography

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

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Develop integration scenarios using PQMicroLib-Core and related libraries with higher-level software components.

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Explore real-world use cases using open-source and proprietary software.

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Perform benchmarking and performance analysis of cryptographic operations.

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Compare results with existing alternatives and identify performance bottlenecks.

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Propose and validate potential optimizations.

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Produce technical documentation and internal demonstrations.

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Work closely with R&D engineers to validate feasibility and reduce technical risk

🎯 Required Skills And Qualifications

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Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

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Proficiency in C/C++ and Python (or similar systems/programming languages).

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Basic understanding of cryptography and secure software design.

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Experience with Linux and open-source development environments (embedded is a plus).

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Strong analytical mindset and interest in performance engineering.

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Clear written and verbal communication skills.

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Interest in post-quantum cryptography is a strong plus.

📈 Expected Outcomes

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Integration Demonstrations – Two working proof-of-concept integrations built on top of PQMicroLib-Core.

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Benchmarking & Analysis – Clear performance benchmarks, comparison with alternatives, and identified bottlenecks.

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Documentation & Knowledge Sharing – Integration guides, benchmark reports, and final presentation to the team.

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Strategic Impact – Results that can be reused by product, sales, and partnerships to support customer discussions.

🧠 What You’ll Gain

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Hands-on experience with post-quantum cryptographic software.

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Exposure to real-world integration and performance challenges.

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Direct impact on product strategy and customer-facing use cases.

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Mentorship from experienced engineers and security experts.

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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.