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:
