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

📌 Technical Lead – Satellite QKD System (Madrid)
🏢 Leonardo
📍 Madrid