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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Software Engineer - **Company:** Pqshield - **Location:** Netherlands (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Continuous Integration, Embedded Software, Python (Programming Language), Key Management, Reduced Instruction Set Computing, Software Construction, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Subsystems, Gitlab-ci, Information Technology - **Published:** September 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/lead-software-engineer-pqshield-8761589 ## About the Role * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Confidence in planning out a project development cycle and coordinating with project managers as development progresses. * A commitment to high quality engineering in all areas of their work, including advocating for the best long-term solutions over the easiest or quickest. * Self-starter with the ability to work with and inspire a team. * Experience building software IP blocks from scratch, and owning the process from initial specification through to customer delivery. * Expert level C experience in an embedded environment. * Able to apply knowledge effectively in unfamiliar situations and actively maintains own knowledge and shares with others. * Rapidly absorbs and critically assesses new information and applies it effectively. * Specifies architectural solutions to technical challenges across multiple technical domains. * Understanding of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and key management systems. Preferred Skills And Qualifications * Familiarity with PQC standards and protocols (e.g., NIST PQC). * Familiarity with Rust in an Embedded environment. * Previous experience with software/hardware co-designs. * Arm & RISC-V experience. * Knowledge of side-channel security countermeasures. * Confidence using Gitlab CI, or otherwise principles of continuous integration and testing. * Confidence with the Python programming language. * Previous experience managing a cross-functional software team successfully. ## Description PQShield is looking for a Lead Software Engineer to help lead a cryptographic software IP team. As a Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire software development lifecycle, from design to testing, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software solutions. This includes planning, organizing, and managing the software development, including setting timelines, allocating resources, and tracking progress. You will work across a variety of environments, solving complex problems and developing other engineers, while maintaining a strong focus on quality and best practices. You will support the hiring, training, and managing of a team of software engineers, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts. Candidates should hold a degree in Electronic Engineering/Computer Science or equivalent experience, backed by at least 10 years in software design and/or verification. We are looking for a technical lead-or a senior engineer ready to step up into leadership-to guide our team. Knowledge of cryptographic engineering and side-channel attack resistance is a major bonus. You should be ready to contribute to cross-team strategy, lead architectural reviews, and drive planning for your team. Founded in 2018, we are a well-funded deep tech startup with proven technology and a clear path to market. Joining us now offers a unique opportunity to work directly with our founders and inventors, fast-track your career progression, and shape a rapidly expanding segment of the semiconductor industry (Post-Quantum Cryptography and RISC-V). This is a great opportunity for career progression and to get a head start in a rapidly expanding segment of the semiconductor industry (Post-Quantum Cryptography and RISC-V). ️ What you'll be doing * Working with other engineering leaders and project managers to plan and allocate work, ensuring we are delivering on our product roadmap. * You'll be expected to take on a technical leadership role, and be responsible for coordinating and delivering application and embedded software IP design projects from conception to customer delivery. * Line Management of a software engineering team: + Identifying hiring needs, conducting interviews, and selecting suitable candidates for open positions. + Orienting new colleagues, providing necessary training, and ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to succeed. + Setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, conducting performance reviews, and recognising and rewarding achievements. + Identifying training and development opportunities to help colleagues grow their skills and advance their careers. + Addressing under-performance, providing coaching and support, and taking disciplinary action when necessary. + Fostering positive relationships with team members, resolving conflicts, and promoting a positive work environment * Ensuring the software engineering team has all of the tooling and infrastructure it needs to function well. * Mentoring other colleagues, and being a point of contact for software design expertise within the company. * Working with verification engineers to review verification and test plans. * Define architectural definitions for complex algorithmic and/or system level solutions. * Providing feedback to colleagues on feasibility of implementation and specification quality. * Working closely with other teams and project stakeholders, and acting as an enabler for their development work. E.g. coordinating with hardware engineers or our product vulnerability team. * Engaging with customers, including helping with integration questions, or answering questions during technical sales calls. * Ensuring clean lint and implementation reports for IP blocks and subsystems. ## Related Videos - [This Machine Ends Data Breaches](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/574-this-machine-ends-data-breaches) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [10M Data Records Lost, Underwater Computing, and Psychedelic Fish - Matthias Geniar](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1908-10m-data-records-lost-underwater-computing-and-psychedelic-fish-matthias-geniar) - [Real-World Security for Busy Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1545-real-world-security-for-busy-developers) - [Develop on Windows, Deploy on Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1600-develop-on-windows-deploy-on-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Pragmatic Blockchain Design Patterns: Integrating Blockchain into Business Processes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1579-pragmatic-blockchain-design-patterns-integrating-blockchain-into-business-processes) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)