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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Technical Lead Satellite QKD System - **Company:** Gmv - **Location:** Madrid, Spain - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Cyber Security, Key Management, Satcom, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Requirements Management, Requirements Traceability, Systems Architecture, Trusted Systems - **Published:** September 24, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.es/contact-us.html ## About the Role 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). ## 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., 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 global level. ## Related Videos - [This Machine Ends Data Breaches](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/574-this-machine-ends-data-breaches) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [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) - [Cyber Security: Small, and Large!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/259-cyber-security-small-and-large) - [Automotive Security Challenges: A Supplier's View](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/572-automotive-security-challenges-a-supplier-s-view) - [Quantum DevOps - Quantum Application Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1441-quantum-devops-quantum-application-development) ## 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) - [Dev Digest 138 - Are you secure about this?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/486-dev-digest-138-are-you-secure-about-this) - [Spanish Business Culture and Etiquette](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/353-spanish-business-culture-and-etiquette) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)