Hybrid Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Payload Engineer

Posted 3 weeks ago

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About the role

  • Engineer contributing to the development and improvement of quantum key distribution payloads for space applications. Collaborating with engineers across disciplines while ensuring technical quality and design ownership.

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
  • Experience in space systems, environmental testing, or hardware verification is a plus, but not required

Benefits

  • 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
  • Great Italian espresso
  • Humorous and friendly work atmosphere

Job title

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Payload Engineer

Job type

Experience level

Junior

Salary

€3,500 per month

Degree requirement

Bachelor's Degree

Location requirements

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