QKD System Architect - Satellite Network Studies (all genders)

Quantum Space Systems GmbH; Wien; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Vienna office

International project exposure

Job summary

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH in Vienna invites a QKD System Architect to advance satellite-based and terrestrial QKD networks, bridging theory and practical engineering.

You will perform system studies, evaluate architectures, and derive requirements while presenting results to partners and space agencies.

This role offers a hybrid workplace in Vienna, collaboration with international consortia, and opportunities to grow into senior positions.

Qualifications

• University degree in physics, quantum technologies, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Solid understanding of QKD principles, protocols, network concepts, trust models, and practical limitations.
• Understanding of QKD devices, including their architecture, implementation principles, limitations, and security-relevant assumptions.
• Ability to bridge theoretical security concepts with practical engineering constraints.
• Experience with system studies, technical trade-offs, modelling or simulation, and requirements engineering.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact confidently with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High level of ownership, structured thinking, and reliability in security-critical environments.
• Willingness to attend on-site review meetings and undertake project-related travel.

Responsibilities

• Perform system and network studies for satellite-based, terrestrial, and hybrid QKD networks.
• Evaluate QKD architectures, protocols, trust models, implementation options, assumptions, limitations, and security implications through structured trade-offs.
• Use modelling and simulation tools to assess QKD performance, coverage, key availability, and operational constraints.
• Derive system, network, interface, and security-related requirements and contribute QKD expertise to system architectures and network integration concepts.
• Prepare technical documentation and present results in project, design, and review meetings.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and contribute to large international consortia.
• Engage with governmental agencies, space agencies, customers, and project partners on QKD-related topics.

Skills

QKD principles

System studies

Modelling & simulation

Technical trade-offs

Stakeholder communication

Education

University degree in physics/quantum technologies/EE/CS/math

Tools

Modelling software

Simulation tools

System engineering tools

Job description

Join Our Mission to Advance Trusted Quantum Communication

At Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH (qtlabs), we are developing next‑generation quantum communication technologies for space and terrestrial applications. Our work combines quantum optics, cryptography, and advanced engineering to create practical systems for secure communication in the quantum era.

Based in Vienna, our team brings together experts in quantum key distribution (QKD), optical communication, system engineering, and security‑critical technologies. We are now looking for a QKD System Architect - Satellite Network Studies to strengthen our expertise in QKD network studies, with a particular focus on satellite‑based QKD.

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The Role

We are looking for a QKD System Architect to support studies and engineering activities for satellite‑based, terrestrial, and hybrid QKD networks.

In this role, you will assess QKD network architectures, perform technical trade‑offs, use modelling and simulation tools, and derive system and interface requirements.

You will act as the QKD expert in multidisciplinary teams and large consortia, connecting QKD theory, device implementation, network concepts, security considerations, and practical engineering constraints.

You will prepare and present technical results, participate in project reviews, and engage with customers, partners, governmental agencies, and space agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform system and network studies for satellite‑based, terrestrial, and hybrid QKD networks.
• Evaluate QKD architectures, protocols, trust models, implementation options, assumptions, limitations, and security implications through structured trade‑offs.
• Use modelling and simulation tools to assess QKD performance, coverage, key availability, and operational constraints.
• Derive system, network, interface, and security‑related requirements and contribute QKD expertise to system architectures and network integration concepts.
• Prepare technical documentation and present results in project, design, and review meetings.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and contribute to large international consortia.
• Engage with governmental agencies, space agencies, customers, and project partners on QKD‑related topics.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in physics, quantum technologies, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Sound understanding of QKD principles, protocols, network concepts, trust models, and practical limitations.
• Understanding of QKD devices, including their architecture, implementation principles, limitations, and security‑relevant assumptions.
• Ability to bridge theoretical security concepts with practical engineering constraints.
• Experience with system studies, technical trade‑offs, modelling or simulation, and requirements engineering.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact confidently with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• High level of ownership, structured thinking, and reliability in security‑critical environments.
• Willingness to attend on‑site review meetings and undertake project‑related travel.

Nice to Have

• Experience with satellite‑based QKD, space‑based quantum communication, optical satellite links, or satellite mission studies.
• Experience working in large international consortia, space‑agency projects, or formal technical reviews.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with QKD devices, optical systems, photonic components, or quantum communication test setups.
• Experience developing or operating validation equipment, testbenches, or laboratory procedures for QKD.
• Experience with certification, evaluation, or assurance processes for security‑critical technologies.
• Knowledge of relevant QKD, cryptographic, or communication security standards, including ETSI, ITU‑T, or Common Criteria.
• Experience with device characterization, side‑channel analysis, implementation attacks, physical‑layer security, or QKD security proofs.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on cutting‑edge quantum communication technologies with real‑world security impact.
• The opportunity to grow within the company and develop into a senior role over time.
• A technical role at the intersection of QKD, system engineering, network studies, simulation, and space communication.
• The chance to shape future satellite‑based, terrestrial, and hybrid QKD networks.
• Collaboration with leading experts, international partners, governmental stakeholders, and customers.
• A dynamic deep‑tech environment with short decision paths and strong technical ownership.
• A modern workplace in Vienna with flexible and hybrid working options.

The minimum gross salary for this position is € 3,499.78 per month (based on full‑time employment) in accordance with the collective agreement. However, there is a willingness to offer a higher salary depending on experience and qualifications.

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees!