Quantum Standardisation Specialist

The Quantum Standardisation Specialist at ID Quantique leads global QKD standardisation efforts, shaping emerging standards and translating scientific innovations into recognised certification pathways.

This position sits within the Science Department at ID Quantique, where the successful candidate will drive and enhance the company's involvement in worldwide quantum key distribution standardisation. The role focuses on influencing new standards, strengthening technical foundations for quantum-secure communications, and ensuring that scientific breakthroughs are effectively converted into internationally accepted standards and certification routes.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and improve standards related to quantum key distribution for international bodies like ETSI and ITU-T.
• Track global standardisation trends and evaluate how they affect product design, certification needs, and project schedules.
• Align standardisation results with certification requirements, including frameworks based on Common Criteria.
• Provide standards-based input to Security Target development across system design and architecture.
• Guide protocol standardisation and influence global QKD evaluation frameworks.
• Coordinate technical contributions across the organisation and support global harmonisation efforts.
• Identify and lead new standardisation initiatives.
• Produce internal technical guidance to inform Engineering, R&D, Product, and Certification teams.
• Collaborate across internal divisions and external stakeholders, identifying leadership opportunities in new work items.
• Represent IDQ in expert groups and technical discussions.

Requirements

• Strong foundation in quantum key distribution, cryptography, and security principles.
• Solid understanding of QKD attack vectors and countermeasures.
• Hands-on experience in drafting technical specifications or contributing to standardisation activities.
• Familiarity with photonics-based QKD system components.
• Exposure to evaluation or certification frameworks such as Common Criteria.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical standardisation outcomes.
• Ability to engage confidently with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute effectively within a fast-moving, highly technical environment.

Nice to have

• Experience contributing to international working groups such as ETSI, ITU-T, ISO, IEEE, IETF, or similar bodies.
• Strong technical understanding of quantum key distribution, quantum communications, optical networks, photonics, or modern cryptographic systems.
• Ability to draft clear, well-structured technical documentation and interpret normative specifications.
• Knowledge of QKD attack vectors and countermeasures—and their relevance to evaluation methodologies.
• Familiarity with Common Criteria, EUCC, or related certification processes.
• Strong analytical skills to assess the impact of evolving standards on system design and certification activities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative in proposing and leading new standardisation efforts.
• Structured, proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Curiosity and an interest in secure-by-design or wider cybersecurity frameworks.

What the company offers

• A role at one of the fastest growing and most exciting Quantum companies in the world.
• A competitive compensation scheme, benefits package and equity plan.
• Flexible work models that let you balance your life, your family, and your career.
• Ongoing training and development to keep your skills sharp and your growth on track.
• A career development plan within the IonQ group’s companies.
• A dynamic, close-knit environment where you collaborate with a global team of experts.
• A performance-driven culture built on trust, teamwork, and shared ambition.

About the company

ID Quantique is a global leader in quantum-safe communications and quantum detection systems. The company provides solutions to protect governments, telecommunication infrastructures, and banking & financial institutions from the “harvest-now, decrypt-later” threat. It delivers both terrestrial and space-based quantum-safe networks in live operation globally. The company pushes the limits of single-photon detection, powering breakthroughs in quantum communication, sensing, computing, and ultra-sensitive imaging. It partners with top researchers and tech innovators worldwide.

• Global leader in quantum-safe communications and quantum detection systems.
• Provides solutions to protect governments, telecommunication infrastructures, and banking & financial institutions from the “harvest-now, decrypt-later” threat.
• Delivers both terrestrial and space-based quantum-safe networks in live operation globally.
• Pushes the limits of single-photon detection, powering breakthroughs in quantum communication, sensing, computing, and ultra-sensitive imaging.
• Partners with top researchers and tech innovators worldwide.