Internship - Hardware Engineer (Placement Year 2026)

This is a year long internship beginning in July 2026

Applications will close on 8th February 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing 16th February 2026. 

You will be required to be based within commutable distance from Oxford with a minimum of 3 days in office. 

PQShield is a highly innovative deep tech start-up that specialises in post-quantum cryptography and cybersecurity. Our mission is to innovate and create solutions for the world's most imminent security challenge: quantum computers.

Here at PQShield, we understand our people are the most important factor in driving our success. Therefore, our core value is to provide them with a work environment that promotes personal and professional growth. Hard work and loyalty are always met with acknowledgement, appreciation and reward.

💼 About the role

We are looking for aspiring hardware developers with a passion for cybersecurity and cryptography. You will take a year out of university acquiring leading edge experience of post-quantum technology in the context of Hardware IP development for ASIC and FPGA.

You will be fully mentored by expert professionals and will interact with hardware, firmware, software and marketing engineers.

After initial induction and familiarisation with our toolchains and flows you will join one of the existing hardware development teams, working on live projects and actively contributing to the creation of the IP and towards the success of the company.

During your internship, you will be exposed to post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, IP design from concept to delivery (including verification techniques), and the use of industry-standard tools and methodologies. The specific work will depend on the products under development at the time you join.

🎯 Skills and Qualifications:

• Student of Electronic Engineering or equivalent course
• Completed at least 2 years of the above studies.
• Evidence of completing relevant units or projects as part of their program of study. E.g. digital design, FPGA, VLSI.
• This role requires you to be based in Oxford within commutable distance to our office in Summertown. You will be required to be in the office for a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Good understanding of digital design techniques
• Experience with any of the RTL languages (SystemVerilog, VHDL)
• Comfortable with Linux command line interfaces
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash)
• Professional attitude and strong work ethic
• Flexible and able to work well in a team
• Strong written and spoken English
• Right to work in the UK

🏆Some of the perks of working with us:

• Unparalleled opportunities to learn and accelerate career development.
• A collaborative, team environment with people who truly love what they do.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and two wellness weeks).
• The chance to join us on this exciting adventure as we enter the Quantum-era of technology.