Technical Lead - Satellite QKD System, Low Earth Orbit

Job Description:

We are looking for a Technical Lead to join a cutting-edge space project focused on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

In this role, you will act as the technical authority on behalf of TPZ, ensuring end-to-end system coherence across space, ground, and user segments, while leading requirements engineering, system design, and validation activities under the ECSS framework.

You will play a key role in shaping the technical backbone of a highly innovative mission, contributing directly to secure communications of the future.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering

• Lead and oversee system engineering activities, including high-level design of the complete LEO QKD system.
• Ensure technical and functional consistency across space segment (platform and quantum payload), ground segment (GCS, OGS, KMS), and user segment.
• Define and maintain the end-to-end system architecture and product tree.

Requirements Engineering

• Lead the identification, analysis, and consolidation of mission and subsystem requirements (Ground Control Segment).
• Coordinate the definition of preliminary cybersecurity requirements across all segments.
• Support the definition of Mission Simulator requirements.

Design & Development

• Lead the design of Ground Control Segment subsystems and the integration of the Quantum Uplink Node and its interfaces.
• Contribute to the Mission Simulator design.

Integration, Verification & Validation (IVV)

• Define and supervise IVV plans at system and subsystem levels.
• Oversee verification documentation and test plan development.
• Ensure consistency between requirements, design, simulations, and test results.

Operational Concept (CONOPS)

• Lead the definition and evolution of the end-to-end operational concept.
• Oversee key management processes, including generation, distribution, and demand planning.
• Coordinate mission planning and orchestration across space and ground segments.

Technical Coordination

• Act as the cross-functional technical authority within an international consortium (industry, agencies, and research centers).
• Manage system interfaces and technical trade-offs at a global level.

Required Skills & Knowledge

Space Systems Engineering

• Expertise in ECSS standards and methodologies (New Space context preferred).
• Experience in LEO mission design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of complex end-to-end space system architectures.

Quantum & Optical Communications

• Knowledge of Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC).
• Understanding of QKD systems and quantum communication principles.
• Familiarity with secure communication standards and European programs (EuroQCI, IRIS2).

Ground Segment & Operations

• Experience with Mission Control Systems (MCS).
• Knowledge of mission planning and optimization.

IVV & Requirements Management

• Strong background in validation and verification of complex systems.
• Experience with requirements traceability tools and methodologies.
• Ability to define test scenarios and acceptance criteria.

Cybersecurity

• Understanding of system-level cybersecurity in space and communications systems.
• Experience applying “security-by-design” principles.
• Knowledge of QKD-related security concepts.

Experience Required

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Systems Engineering for space missions or complex systems.
• Proven experience leading requirements and IVV activities in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Background in mission control systems design and operations planning.
• Experience in optical communications, satcom, or secure systems.
• Previous participation in international consortia (industry, agencies, research institutions).

Why this role matters

• Drive the technical coherence of an end-to-end LEO QKD system.
• Reduce integration and technological risks in an innovative IOD mission.
• Enable the transition from early design to future operational systems.
• Take ownership of the Ground Control Segment specification and design.

Seniority:

Primary Location:

ES - Madrid

Additional Locations:

ES - Barcellona

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working: