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 general 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:

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