Optical & Quantum Communication System Engineer [26027]

Sopra Steria; Noordwijk; Remote; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HE Space in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, is seeking an experienced quantum communications engineer to define end-to-end network architectures for space-to-ground links and QKD concepts. You will translate requirements into subsystem specs and contribute to test and qualification activities in a challenging, international setting.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a related field, 8+ years in quantum communications or photonics, space/ground segment experience, and fluent English.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in quantum communications/QKD, photonics, or optical comms.
• Experience with space/ground segment design, AIT/AIV, and environmental qualification.
• Proficiency with link budgets and channel models for fiber and/or free-space; familiarity with turbulence and background models.
• Strong technical writing and stakeholder communication; able to produce clear documentation.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of another European language is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Define end-to-end quantum communication system architectures (e.g., QKD links, quantum repeater concepts, space-to-ground links).
• Translate mission, security, and performance requirements into subsystem specifications.
• Support/lead design of quantum optical hardware (sources, detectors, time-tagging, synchronization, stabilization).
• Oversee breadboarding, prototyping, and design-for-test/assembly (DFT/DFA).
• Plan and execute IV&V activities for lab, field, and over-the-air trials (terrestrial fiber/free-space and space segments).
• Develop test plans, procedures, and automated test scripts; analyze results and generate test reports.
• Perform optical link budgets, channel modeling, alignment and pointing, timing/synchronization.
• Interface with classical communication layers (key management, control plane) and security infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with safety, EMC, environmental, and space qualification standards (vibration, thermal vacuum, radiation).
• Contribute to FMEAs, fault trees, design reviews, and configuration management.
• Advise internal teams and customers on technology trade-offs, roadmaps, and risks.
• Prepare design documents, ICDs, test reports, and operations manuals; present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Quantum communications

QKD

Photonic engineering

Space/ground design

AIT/AIV

Technical writing

English fluency

Education

Master’s or PhD in Physics/Engineering

Tools

Environmental qualification

Job description

Company Description

HE Space is a successful international space company, specialised in providing managed services and human resources to the international space sector for over 40 years. We hire space experts all over Europe across the whole spectrum of space-related activities, from engineering to science, software development, operations, marketing, finance and administration. Our employees contribute towards a wide range of groundbreaking space programmes including Galileo and Copernicus, ExoMars, LISA Pathfinder, Euclid, the Ariane and Vega launchers as well as the International Space Station. HE Space has joined forces with CS Group and Sopra Steria to lead the engineering and digital space market in Europe and to provide highly skilled consulting. We are passionate about people and invest in you to support the development of the European space industry.

Job Description

As part of the team you will have the following responsibilities:

• Define end‑to‑end quantum communication system architectures (e.g., QKD links, quantum repeater concepts, space‑to‑ground links).
• Translate mission, security, and performance requirements (SKR, QBER, link budget) into subsystem specifications.
• Support/lead design of quantum optical hardware (sources, detectors, time-tagging, synchronization, stabilization).
• Oversee breadboarding, prototyping, and design-for-test/assembly (DFT/DFA).
• Plan and execute integration, verification, and validation (IV&V) activities for lab, field, and over‑the‑air trials (terrestrial fiber/free-space and space segments).
• Develop test plans, procedures, and automated test scripts; analyze results and generate test reports.
• Perform optical link budgets, channel modeling (attenuation, turbulence, background noise), alignment and pointing, timing/synchronization.
• Interface with classical communication layers (key management, control plane) and security infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with safety, EMC, environmental, and, where applicable, space qualification standards (e.g., vibration, thermal vacuum, radiation).
• Contribute to FMEAs, fault trees, design reviews, and configuration management.
• Advise internal teams and customers on technology trade‑offs, roadmaps, and risks.
• Prepare design documents, ICDs, test reports, and operations manuals; present findings to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

You will have the following qualifications and relevant experience:

• Master’s or PhD in Physics, Electrical/Photonics Engineering, Aerospace, or related field.
• 8+ years in quantum communications/QKD, photonics, or optical comms.
• Experience with space/ground segment design, AIT/AIV, and environmental qualification.
• Proficiency with link budgets and channel models for fiber and/or free‑space; familiarity with turbulence and background models.
• Strong technical writing and stakeholder communication; able to produce clear documentation.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of another European language is an advantage.

Additional Information

This job is located in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!

Inclusive and committed employer, our company works every day to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a respectful working environment. That's why, committed to gender diversity and overall inclusivity, we encourage all applications and profiles.

Last apply date: 15/04/2026!