Job Description
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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

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- 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

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- 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

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- 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)

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- 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)

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- 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

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- 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 integral level.

Required Skills & Knowledge
Space Systems Engineering

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- 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

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- 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

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- Experience with Mission Control Systems (MCS).

- Knowledge of mission planning and optimization.

IVV & Requirements Management

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- 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

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- Understanding of system‑level cybersecurity in space and communications systems.

- Experience applying “security‑by‑design” principles.

- Knowledge of QKD‑related security concepts.

Experience Required

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- 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

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- 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 . xghoner

- 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