Technical Lead – Satellite QKD System (LEO)

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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: