At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and benchmark software integrations for post-quantum cryptography.
- Company: Join PQShield, a leader in cryptographic innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and visibility across teams.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional travel; inclusive environment for all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge cryptographic technology.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a Master's in Computer Science or related field; C/C++ and Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Location: Remote (within France/United Kingdom); London, Oxford or Paris preferred. Some travel to our offices will be required from time-to-time.
Duration: 6 months
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.
Software Prototype Intern – Post-Quantum Cryptography employer: PQShield
PQShield is an exceptional employer for aspiring software engineers, offering a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge post-quantum cryptography projects in a collaborative and inclusive environment. With flexible remote working options across France and the UK, employees benefit from mentorship by industry experts, hands-on experience with innovative technologies, and the chance to make a tangible impact on product strategy and customer solutions. The company values diversity and fosters a culture of growth, ensuring that every team member can thrive and develop their skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Prototype Intern – Post-Quantum Cryptography
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with fellow interns or professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions related to post-quantum cryptography and software integration. Practise your answers and even do mock interviews with friends to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your projects! If you've worked on relevant software prototypes or cryptographic applications, make sure to highlight them in conversations. Having tangible examples of your work can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our company. Tailor your approach to show how your skills align with our mission in post-quantum cryptography.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Prototype Intern – Post-Quantum Cryptography
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see your proficiency in C/C++ and Python, as well as any experience with cryptography or performance engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about post-quantum cryptography and how your background makes you a great fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to our mission.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any projects related to software development or cryptography, be sure to mention them! We’re interested in real-world applications, so share any integration scenarios or benchmarking work you've done.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at PQShield
✨Know Your Cryptography Basics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of cryptography, especially post-quantum concepts. Being able to discuss how PQMicroLib-Core and related libraries work will show your genuine interest and knowledge in the field.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in C/C++ and Python. You might be asked to solve a coding problem or discuss your previous projects, so have examples ready that highlight your skills and experience with these languages.
✨Understand Performance Engineering
Since the role involves benchmarking and performance analysis, be ready to talk about any relevant experience you have. Discuss how you've identified bottlenecks in past projects and what optimisations you proposed.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to produce documentation and present your findings to the team. Clear communication can set you apart!
