Technical Lead – Satellite QKD System (LEO)

Technical Lead - LEO QKD Project

We are seeking an experienced Technical Lead to spearhead a cutting-edge space project focused on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In this pivotal role, you will serve as the technical authority, ensuring the seamless coherence of the end-to-end system across the space, ground, and user segments. You will drive critical activities including requirements engineering, system design, and validation, all within the robust framework of ECSS standards. This is an exceptional opportunity to significantly influence the technical foundation of a highly innovative mission and contribute directly to the advancement of secure communications for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Systems Engineering: Lead comprehensive system engineering efforts, including the high-level design of the complete LEO QKD system. Ensure technical and functional consistency across the 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: Drive the identification, analysis, and consolidation of mission and subsystem requirements, particularly for the Ground Control Segment. Coordinate the definition of preliminary cybersecurity requirements for all segments and support the definition of Mission Simulator requirements.
• Design & Development: Lead the design of Ground Control Segment subsystems and oversee the integration of the Quantum Uplink Node and its associated interfaces. Contribute to the design of the Mission Simulator.
• Integration, Verification & Validation (IVV): Define and supervise IVV plans at both system and subsystem levels. Oversee the development of verification documentation and test plans. Ensure robust traceability and consistency between requirements, design, simulations, and test results.
• Operational Concept (CONOPS): Lead the definition and evolution of the end-to-end operational concept. Oversee critical key management processes, including generation, distribution, and demand planning. Coordinate mission planning and orchestration between the space and ground segments.
• Technical Coordination: Act as the cross-functional technical authority within a diverse international consortium comprising industry partners, agencies, and research centers. Manage complex system interfaces and facilitate technical trade-offs at a global level.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Space Systems Engineering: Expertise in ECSS standards and methodologies, with a preference for experience in a New Space context. Proven 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 relevant European programs (e.g., EuroQCI, IRIS2).
• Ground Segment & Operations: Experience with Mission Control Systems (MCS) and 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 principles applicable to space and communications systems. Experience applying “security-by-design” principles. Knowledge of QKD-related security concepts.

Experience Required

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

Why this role matters

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

Primary Location: ES - Madrid

Additional Locations: ES - Barcellona

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Applicable