Quantum Communications & Security Engineer - Co-Founder

We’re building a deep-tech startup focused on quantum communications and security, and we’re looking for a quantum expert experienced in photonics to join as a technical co-founder and help shape the technology, product, and company from the ground up. We have R&D investment and are already engaging with investors for pre-seed. Note that this is a co-founder opportunity, not an employee position. What you’ll work onDefine and drive the technical vision for our quantum communications and security infrastructureDevelop and validate the underlying quantum/photonics technologyDesign experimental setups and early prototypesEvaluate quantum communication architectures and photonic componentsTranslate research-grade concepts into practical, scalable technologyContribute to our technical strategy, IP, and product roadmapWork with the founding team on research partnerships, customers, fundraising, and commercializationBuild and eventually lead the technical/R&D team Your backgroundWe’re particularly interested in people with deep expertise in areas such as: Quantum communicationsQuantum key distribution (QKD)Quantum cryptographyQuantum opticsPhotonics / integrated photonicsOptical communicationsSingle-photon technologies / detectorsFree-space or fiber-based quantum communication Experience taking technology from research to prototype would be particularly valuable. A PhD or equivalent experience in quantum physics, photonics, optical engineering, or a related field is welcome, but we're ultimately looking for deep technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to build. The opportunityWe’re at an early stage and operating in stealth mode. Compensation will be equity-based, with the structure to be discussed openly based on the individual's experience, commitment, and role as a co-founder. You will have the opportunity to become a core member of the founding team, shape the technical direction of the company, and have meaningful ownership from the beginning. We're looking for someone who wants to do more than develop technology within an existing organization.