"Finding qualified engineers for specialized roles like FPGA developers is always challenging. Working with Index.dev has helped greatly. Their global network helped us find skilled candidates faster” – Robert Bedington, CTO at SpeQtral
Specialisation: Quantum Networks
Headquarters: Singapore, Central Region, Singapore
Market: Worldwide
Website: https://speqtralquantum.com/
Services: Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Satellite Communication
Technologies: FPGA Hardware and Software Design, Electronics Interfaces & PCB Design and Testing
Speqtral, a Singapore-based company working on cutting-edge quantum networks, needed skilled C++ and FPGA engineers to develop their QKD systems, but these specialists are rare to find, especially those willing to relocate to Singapore.
Read further to explore how Speqtral hired qualified engineers in niche skills using Index.dev's global network.
Project
Imagine a communication system so secure, not even future supercomputers can crack it. That's the goal of SpeQtral, a Singapore-based startup working on revolutionary quantum networks.
Speqtral combines advanced technologies like fibre optics and satellites to create a secure communication system called Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). This system uses the principles of quantum physics to create unbreakable encryption keys, safeguarding sensitive information for governments, corporations, and anyone who needs security.
Challenge
Speqtral needed skilled FPGA engineers to build their innovative quantum communication systems. These engineers would design, program, and test the hardware, work with experts on new solutions, and create user manuals.
Unfortunately, filling these roles proved difficult due to several challenges:
- Highly specialized skills: They sought candidates with a unique combination of FPGA programming skills, knowledge of high-speed signals, and experience with quantum communication – a rare combination in the job market.
- Budget constraints: They aimed for highly-competitive candidates that will fit within their budgets.
- Relocation hurdle: Many qualified engineers found globally were unwilling to relocate to Singapore.
To maximize their chances of finding suitable candidates for their hard-to-find positions they decided to explore other location options across the world.
Solution
Speqtral relied on Index.dev to find relocation-ready engineering talent on a budget in 2022.
Index.dev’s matchers understood Speqtral's niche requirements and focused their search on Eastern Europe, a region known for qualified engineers. The Index.dev team screened candidates, looking for expertise in FPGA design, high-speed signals, and an understanding of quantum communication. Additionally, they assessed soft skills like communication, collaboration, and creative thinking – all essential for a successful hire and seamless onboarding process.
A major challenge was finding someone willing to relocate to Singapore. After thorough vetting, Index.dev introduced Speqtral to a highly qualified FPGA engineer from Russia. This candidate met their budget, technical needs, and cultural fit perfectly.
Speqtral interviewed the candidate in two rounds and successfully onboarded him as a full-time contractor, receiving much-needed assistance from Index.dev throughout the process. They even helped with talent relocation by handling visa applications and covering expenses.
Satisfied with the results, they returned to Index.dev a year later for another full-time C++ engineer.
Impact
Total Assignments: 2
Tapping into Index.dev’s global talent network, helped Speqtral save time and resources on candidate search, pre-qualifying interviews, and engineer screening. They quickly received pre-vetted candidates for niche C++ and FPGA roles who were within budget and willing to relocate to Singapore, resulting in two successful hires.
The FPGA engineer they hired had extensive experience with FPGAs, focusing on network protocol development. While the C++ developer brought a robust background in embedded technologies, covering C, C++, C#, Assembly, and multiple microcontroller architectures.
"The developers we found through Index.dev have been great. They brought diverse skills and diverse skills, and their work has been important in advancing our quantum communication systems." – Robert Bedington, CTO at SpeQtral
Overall, Speqtral achieved rapid hiring for difficult-to-fill positions, reduced costs, and improved development and implementation of quantum-safe solutions.
