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: