Technical Lead – Satellite QKD System (LEO)

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: