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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Technical Lead - Satellite Qkd System (Leo) - **Company:** Leonardo - **Location:** Madrid, Spain - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Key Management, Node.Js, Satcom, Requirements Traceability, Systems Architecture, Trusted Systems - **Published:** August 6, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.buscojobs.com.es/technical-lead-satellite-qkd-system-leo-en-madrid-ID-365297033 ## About the Role * Minimum 10 years in Systems Engineering for space missions or complex systems * Proven experience leading requirements and IVV 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) * Knowledge of ECSS standards and methodologies (New Space context preferred) * Experience with Mission Control Systems (MCS) * Understanding of QKD systems and quantum communication principles * Familiarity with secure communication standards and European programs (EuroQCI, IRIS2) * Strong background in validation and verification of complex systems * Experience with requirements traceability tools and methodologies * Ability to define test scenarios and acceptance criteria * Understanding of system-level cybersecurity in space and communications * Experience applying security-by-design principles * Knowledge of QKD-related security concepts Requisitos principales ## Description Experteer Overview In this role you will act as the technical authority for an advanced LEO QKD mission, ensuring end-to-end coherence across space, ground, and user segments under ECSS.You will steer requirements, system design, and validation activities to shape a secure, innovative communications backbone.You'll collaborate across an international consortium to reduce integration risks and guide the project from early design toward operational readiness.This is a high-impact opportunity to influence next-generation space-based quantum communications.Compensaciones / Beneficios* Lead system engineering for the complete LEO QKD system and maintain end-to-end architecture* Ensure consistency across space, ground, and user segments (platform, payload, GCS, OGS, KMS)* Define and manage the product tree and system architecture* Lead requirements engineering for mission and subsystem requirements (Ground Control Segment)* Coordinate cybersecurity requirements and mission simulator requirements* Design Ground Control Segment subsystems and interfaces for the Quantum Uplink Node* Contribute to Mission Simulator design* Define and supervise IVV plans and test documentation* Oversee CONOPS evolution and key management processes* Coordinate mission planning across space and ground segments* Act as cross-functional technical authority within an international consortium* Manage system interfaces and conduct technical trade-offs at a global levelResponsabilidades* Minimum 10 years in Systems Engineering for space missions or complex systems* Proven experience leading requirements and IVV 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)* Knowledge of ECSS standards and methodologies (New Space context preferred)* Experience with Mission Control Systems (MCS)* Understanding of QKD systems and quantum communication principles* Familiarity with secure communication standards and European programs (EuroQCI, IRIS2)* Strong background in validation and verification of complex systems* Experience with requirements traceability tools and methodologies* Ability to define test scenarios and acceptance criteria* Understanding of system-level cybersecurity in space and communications* Experience applying security-by-design principles* Knowledge of QKD-related security conceptsRequisitos principales* ## Related Videos - [How Lufthansa Industry Solutions is preparing for the Quantum Age! ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1443-how-lufthansa-industry-solutions-is-preparing-for-the-quantum-age) - [Stop using Node.js like in 2020! What changed and what you can do today with Node.js](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100011-stop-using-node-js-like-in-2020-what-changed-and-what-you-can-do-today-with-node-js) - [This Machine Ends Data Breaches](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/574-this-machine-ends-data-breaches) - [Sustainable Mobility – Giravolta](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/480-sustainable-mobility-giravolta) - [Stop Using Node.js Like It’s 2020! - Alfonso Graziano](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1863-stop-using-node-js-like-it-s-2020-alfonso-graziano) - [Pragmatic Blockchain Design Patterns: Integrating Blockchain into Business Processes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1579-pragmatic-blockchain-design-patterns-integrating-blockchain-into-business-processes) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Spanish Business Culture and Etiquette](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/353-spanish-business-culture-and-etiquette) - [Dev Digest 138 - Are you secure about this?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/486-dev-digest-138-are-you-secure-about-this) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing)