Network Engineer / PostDoc for Quantum Safe Communications Systems and Networks

at  TU Eindhoven

THE POSITION

We are looking for a qualified network engineer or post-doctoral researcher to contribute to the design, deployment and operation of the quantum safe communications testbed. The activities include the design and analysis of the network architecture, the deployment and testing of QKD and classical hardware and software systems, and the operation of the testbed, incl. research in management, control and monitoring solutions for combined classical and quantum communications infrastructure. You will join a highly dynamic team that has established a functioning network for quantum safe communications, including quantum and classical communications equipment from a variety of vendors and has adapted a number of network protocols to make use of quantum key material for improved security. The team is currently deploying the quantum safe communications network in the field and the candidate is expected to contribute to the network design and layout, coordinate (part of) the deployment and establish the operational and monitoring systems for the quantum communications testbed. The candidate will interact with research and industrial partners to drive the deployment, certification and standardisation of quantum safe communications.

The position includes a number of activities, duties and responsibilities including:

• Develops network design and architectures and prepares network level specifications.
• Analyses network architectures and performs network implementation planning and reviews.
• Plans and performs network operation and management for the quantum safe communications testbed.
• Designs and implements network operation tools and platforms and develops network management paradigms for quantum communication networks.
• Writes and analyses test plans, executes tests and evaluates test results for use at peer design reviews and project notebooks.
• Prepares and maintains product documentation, including data sheets, instruction manuals, project notebooks, design, and test documentation.
• Support the establishment, development, and operations of the testbed for quantum secure communications and networking.
• Provides and maintains accurate project plans. Manages and/or leads network deployment projects of moderate complexity.

The position forms part of the QCINed project which – together with a number of national partners – aims to establish the basis for a national (and in the future European) quantum communications infrastructure. Depending on the chosen candidate, this position make take a more research or more engineering focused direction.
You will join the Electro-Optical Communications group within the Department of Electrical Engineering and will be embedded with the team developing and deploying the quantum safe communications testbed. You will work in the facilities of the quantum photonic systems and networking laboratories. You will work with the deployed network of the quantum safe communications testbed and actively collaborate with the industrial and academic partners in the QCINed project and QDNL programme.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We seek a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher or network engineer. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.

• A PhD or master’s degree (or equivalent university degree) in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with an excellent academic record
• Experience and a strong background in one or multiple of the following subjects (with typically 2+ years of combined experience):
• Telecommunication networks
• Optical and fibre communications
• Network architectures, management and control
• Classical and quantum cybersecurity systems
• Configuration, commissioning and installation of communication networks and their operation
• Preparation of telecommunication test setups
• Design, commissioning and deployment of communication networks
• Operation of communication networks
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Working knowledge of network operation processes, tools and procedures.
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Desire and affinity to work in an academic research lab with PhDs, Postdocs and MSc students.

ABOUT US

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

• Develops network design and architectures and prepares network level specifications.
• Analyses network architectures and performs network implementation planning and reviews.
• Plans and performs network operation and management for the quantum safe communications testbed.
• Designs and implements network operation tools and platforms and develops network management paradigms for quantum communication networks.
• Writes and analyses test plans, executes tests and evaluates test results for use at peer design reviews and project notebooks.
• Prepares and maintains product documentation, including data sheets, instruction manuals, project notebooks, design, and test documentation.
• Support the establishment, development, and operations of the testbed for quantum secure communications and networking.
• Provides and maintains accurate project plans. Manages and/or leads network deployment projects of moderate complexity