Hybrid Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Payload Engineer

at qtlabs - Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH

• Job title: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Payload Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Junior
• Salary: €3,500 per month
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Wien, Austria

About the role

• Engineer driving the next generation of Quantum Key Distribution payloads for space applications. Contributing across projects, focusing on quantum technologies and thermo-mechanical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of our QKD payload, from concept through flight qualification.
• Drive technical decisions within your domain and take ownership of subsystem design choices.
• Collaborate closely with electronics engineers (opto-electronics, digital/analog, FPGA interfaces) and thermo-mechanical engineers (thermal control, structural design).
• Plan and execute laboratory verification, characterization, and system-level testing of optical, electronic, and QKD-specific components.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, interface specifications, and customer deliverables.
• Support external environmental and space-qualification campaigns (vibration, TVAC, radiation, EMC).
• Contribute to continuous systemization and maintain clear requirements, interfaces, and architecture documentation.
• Work across several mission and technology projects simultaneously, contributing QKD expertise and hands-on engineering.

Requirements

• Degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, aerospace engineering, or related field; background in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) or quantum optics strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of QKD protocols, photon sources/detectors, optical components, timing/synchronization, and system architectures.
• Experience with laboratory work (optical setups, measurement equipment, data acquisition).
• Ability to work autonomously, make informed technical decisions, and drive design iterations.
• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Excellent communication skills and motivation to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience in space systems, environmental testing, or hardware verification is a plus, but not required.

Benefits

• Work on mission-critical quantum technologies that will define future secure communication infrastructure.
• Join a fast-growing, interdisciplinary team with experts in optics, electronics, mechanics, and quantum science.
• Shape real hardware that goes into space - prototypes, flight models, and qualification campaigns.
• Flat hierarchies, ownership, and the opportunity to drive innovation in a rapidly evolving field.
• A collaborative and innovative environment in Vienna, a global hub for quantum research and space technology.
• Flexible work arrangements in a hybrid model combining remote and onsite collaboration.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of quantum technologies.
• Balanced work-life integration for our employees.
• Attractive workplace with excellent infrastructure at Wienerberg.
• Great Italian espresso.
• Humorous and friendly work atmosphere.