Quantum Space Communications Architect — Optical Systems

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

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.