Lead PQC Research Engineer

Lead PQC Research EngineerLocation: Hyderabad Employment Type: Full-time Experience: 6 – 10 years in Hardware Security, Cryptography, or FPGA Design (Minimum 4+ years hands-on FPGA/EDA experience)About ZenV InnovationsZenV Innovations is a DeepTech + AI software company building the next generation of intelligent, secure, and scalable systems. We design and develop AI-first SaaS platforms, advanced embedded hardware, and data-driven software that help organizations work smarter, faster, and safer. Our expertise spans artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and hardware engineering — enabling seamless integration between devices, data, and digital ecosystems. From designing custom hardware and firmware to delivering adaptive, AI-enabled software platforms, we create end-to-end solutions that empower enterprises, governments, and communities to operate with precision and trust. At ZenV, we don’t just build technology — we cultivate intelligence that learns, protects, and evolves. Every creation reflects our belief in conscious engineering, where innovation meets integrity, and systems are designed to adapt and endure. We engineer the future consciously, guided by our core philosophy — Think. Adapt. Evolve.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Lead PQC Research Engineer / Quantum Cryptography Architect to architect, prototype, and validate post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) systems for FPGA and ASIC platforms. This role will bridge cryptography, hardware design, and AI-driven security, driving research-to-productization under the ZenV initiative. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in FPGA/ASIC workflows, cryptographic acceleration, and hardware–software co-design — shaping the future of quantum-resilient embedded systems.Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Architecture & Design● Design FPGA-to-ASIC migration paths for PQC accelerators (Kyber, Dilithium, SHA-3).● Integrate PQC cores with classical cryptography (AES/RSA) for hybrid security architectures.● Define inter-module communication protocols (AXI, SPI, PCIe) and establish trust boundaries.● Collaborate with AI engineers to enable adaptive encryption and anomaly detection layers (Q-AI layer).Hardware Prototyping & Validation● Implement RTL designs in Verilog/VHDL and simulate using ModelSim or Vivado.● Perform synthesis, timing closure, and validation on FPGA development boards.● Prepare ASIC-ready netlists and coordinate with EDA workflows (Synopsys DC / Cadence Innovus).Cryptography & Security Research● Benchmark PQC algorithms (Kyber, Dilithium, Falcon) on hardware platforms for latency, throughput, and entropy metrics..● Contribute to white papers, IEEE publications, and internal ZenV technical briefs.● Maintain alignment with global standards such as NIST PQC, DARPA HardSec, and the EU Quantum Flagship.Documentation & Governance● Maintain detailed design logs in project management tools and ensure traceability.● Participate in weekly engineering syncs, cross-domain reviews, and IP audits.● Document research findings and technical decisions using structured repositories (Sphinx/Doxygen).Technical Skills:● Strong foundation in lattice-based cryptography (Kyber, Dilithium, Falcon).● Hands-on experience with FPGA tools (Vivado, Quartus) and EDA suites (Synopsys / Cadence).● Proficiency in Verilog/VHDL, C/C++, Python, and Rust (for secure APIs).● Familiarity with AI-assisted design workflows (PyTorch, ONNX Runtime).● Experience with CI/CD pipelines, version control (Git), and documentation frameworks.Soft Skills:● Research-driven, analytical, and detail-oriented mindset.● Leadership in small R&D teams and cross-functional collaboration.● Agility to work in startup and innovation-driven environments.● Excellent communication and documentation discipline.QualificationsM.Tech or Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Cryptography (preferred specialization in PQC or FPGA-based cryptography research).Why Join Us● Join the forefront of quantum-secure hardware and AI-assisted cryptography.● Collaborate with global research partners and contribute to real-world security standard● Work in a multidisciplinary R&D ecosystem blending hardware, AI, and cryptography.● Opportunity to co-author research papers, patents, and technical white papers.● Be part of a mission shaping quantum-resilient infrastructure for the future.