Quantum Communications Engineer

Gradiant; Vigo; Hybrid; EUR 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teleworking option

Training budget

Welcome pack

Flexible salary options

English classes

Job summary

Gradiant is seeking a Quantum Communications Engineer to advance quantum networks and devices for encryption within the Quantum Technologies line. You will contribute to architectures and implementations, collaborating across teams in a dynamic R&D setting.

You will mentor trainees, present technical results, and help evolve the Quantum Technology Strategy while working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment at Gradiant.

Qualifications

• • Degree in physics, telecommunications, electronic engineering or related field.
• • PhD or 5+ years experience in Quantum Communications.
• • Knowledge of quantum optics and photon sources (e.g., SPDC, quantum dot emitters).
• • Hands-on experience with optics, optoelectronic devices and detectors.

Responsibilities

• Translate requirements into technical execution on quantum communication projects.
• Design and implement quantum communication architectures.
• Contribute to ruggedization of setups and subsystems.
• Coordinate with Head of Quantum Technologies on projects and strategy.
• Mentor trainees and junior engineers; foster knowledge sharing.
• Present results at relevant events and conferences.

Skills

Quantum optics

QKD

Quantum networks

Teamwork

Education

Physics degree

Telecommunications degree

Electronic engineering degree

Tools

SPDC photon sources

Optoelectronic devices

Detection systems

SoC processing

Job description

About Gradiant

Gradiant is a leading technology centre in Galicia. Leveraging our capabilities in quantum technologies, photonics, advanced communications, electronics, signal processing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, we are developing deep tech R&D&I solutions across four core areas: connectivity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced sensing. Since 2008, we have been transforming knowledge into real innovation for companies, leading the entire R&D&I cycle through to technology transfer.

Our team is made up of professionals who are passionate about technology, social impact, and excellence. If you are looking for a dynamic environment with a real impact on the business world and a horizontal work culture, keep reading!

About the Technology Area

You will join the Quantum Technologies team, part of the Advanced Communications area. You will contribute to the growth of an R&D&I line focused on quantum communications, with a major focus on conceptualizing, implementing and validating QKD and quantum network solutions. In this role, you will have the opportunity to carry out and lead cutting-edge innovation projects where you will implement disruptive solutions to enhance communication security based on end-to-end and multi-user quantum key distribution paradigms. You will work in a dynamic and constantly evolving innovation environment, with the opportunity to leave your fingerprint within a multidisciplinary and collaborative setting.

We are looking for a profile with experience in QKD protocols and optoelectronics, capable of ensuring the development of high-quality solutions aligned with established requirements, while actively collaborating with leading organizations in the Quantum Communications sector.

What will you do?

You will be part of the Quantum Technologies line, within the Advanced Communications Area, as developing cutting‑edge quantum technologies with real societal impact. You will advance quantum networks and devices for quantum encryption, contributing to the conceptualization and implementation of novel quantum communication architectures for specific use cases.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Implementing technical solutions on quantum communication projects, translating requirements into effective technical execution.
• Supporting the design and implementation of quantum communication architectures.
• Contributing to the compactification and ruggedization of existing setups and subsystems, ensuring performance.
• Participating in the generation and management of technological products and projects, in coordination with the Head of Quantum Technologies.
• Generating innovative ideas for the evolution of the Quantum Technology Strategy, with a view to broadening our R&D horizons, in coordination with the Head of Quantum Technologies.
• Mentoring and supervising trainees, junior engineers and researchers, fostering technical growth, knowledge sharing, and strong team collaboration.
• Presenting scientific results or technical results at relevant events and conferences on occasion.

We are looking for

A highly motivated Quantum Communications Engineer with extensive knowledge of quantum optics, QKD and/or quantum network protocols optoelectronics. The candidate shall have strong communication skills and enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams, contributing collaboratively while taking ownership of technical tasks. The candidate should be a detail-oriented problem solver and have a strong interest in innovation, continuous learning, and emerging technologies.

In addition, we require you to have the following experience:

• Degree on physics, telecommunications, electronic engineering or a related field
• PhD or 5+ experience in projects related to Quantum Communications
• Know‑how on quantum optics, especially in matters related to photon sources (e.g. SPDC, quantum dot emitters, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience with optics, optoelectronic devices, detection systems and/or SoC-based processing
• High commitment and work autonomy
• Strong ability to work on a team
• Very good written and spoken English and Spanish language level

It would be great that you have

• Experience with technologies like quantum memories and quantum repeaters
• Knowledge of atomic systems and laser spectroscopy
• Experience in project leadership or technical coordination, such as task planning, milestone tracking, and supervision of technical teams
• Experience on quantum technology projects for space applications
• Previous training in project management or interest in developing in technical project management

What we offer

Salary: From 32.000€SBA + 10% variable depending on your knowledge, experience and desire. This is the starting point, the idea is to find an agreement during the process.

23 days of holidays + your birthday + 24th and 31st of December, you will have 26 days of holidays!

#TroulaDays What's this? At Gradiant you'll be able to choose one Friday off a month, so you can switch off and enjoy a longer weekend.

Teleworking and office. Decide how and when you want to work with your team to strike a balance.

Personal training budget. We want to help you improve your technical skills, feel involved in the tech community and develop your soft skills to lead teams and/or lead projects.

We will provide you with all the necessary equipment so that you can work comfortably.

Welcome Pack

Flexible salary. Today, we offer various services through flexible pay, restaurant vouchers, childcare, transport, medical insurance...

Work-life balance. Your work-life balance is really important to us.

Our culture is our goal: a working environment where horizontal communication is our maxim.

Continuous training. We like to exchange knowledge, so we offer internal training courses in which you can participate as an assistant or driver!

Coming to the office has endless advantages, including enjoying fresh fruit and a good coffee with your colleagues every day.

Do you need to improve your English? You will have the possibility to take English classes if your duties require it.

We promote a work enviroment based on equal opportunities and believe in the value of diversity and inclusion. We welcome everyone to join our team—regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation, beliefs, or disability. What truly matters is your desire to grow at Gradiant.

If you’re passionate about data, technological infrastructure, working with brilliant teams, and want to make an impact on European technological innovation, Gradiant is the place for you.