System Engineer – Optical Ground Station, Space-Based QKD
Quantum Technologies GmbH
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Vienna • 🇦🇹 Austria
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 €3,500 per month
Job Level
Mid-LevelSenior
About the role
- Contribute to the design, development, and manufacturing of our Optical Ground Stations for satellite-to-ground QKD links
- Take ownership of subsystem design choices, including optical frontend, tracking systems, turbulence mitigation system, time-bin/phase and polarization analysis module, and single-photon detection modules
- Work closely with experts in optics, electronics, control systems, and quantum communications to deliver robust, high-performance OGS solutions
- Integrate and optimize components such as telescopes, tracking cameras, beacon lasers, quantum receivers, polarization optics, and timing/synchronization modules
- Plan and execute laboratory verification, field testing, and link characterization campaigns for OGS prototypes and deployed systems
- Contribute to and maintain system requirements, optical budgets, interface definitions, and architecture documentation
- Perform system-level modeling and analysis of link performance (attenuation, turbulence, pointing/tracking error budgets, synchronization)
- Support on-site installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OGS systems at customer locations or demonstration sites
- Prepare technical documentation, test reports, interface specifications, and customer deliverables
- Collaborate across several mission and technology projects simultaneously, ensuring consistent architectural and performance standards
Requirements
- Degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, photonics, aerospace engineering, or a related field
- Strong understanding of free-space optical communication, telescope systems, optics, and tracking/control concepts
- Familiarity with quantum receivers, including single-photon detectors, low-noise readout electronics, polarization optics, and active stabilization methods
- Experience with optical laboratory setups, measurement equipment, and hands-on system integration
- Ability to work autonomously, make informed technical decisions, and drive design iterations
- Solid analytical skills and attention to detail, especially in documentation, testing, and interface-driven development
- Experience in any of the following is a strong plus: Satellite-to-ground optical communication or QKD, Control systems for tracking, pointing, and synchronization, Adaptive optics for turbulence mitigation, Field deployment of optical systems, Environmental testing or hardware verification
Benefits
- Flexible work arrangements in a hybrid model combining remote and onsite collaboration
- Attractive workplace with excellent infrastructure at Wienerberg
- Great Italian espresso
- Humorous and friendly work atmosphere
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
optical engineeringfree-space optical communicationtelescope systemsquantum receiverssingle-photon detectorslow-noise readout electronicspolarization opticssystem-level modelingoptical laboratory setupsenvironmental testing
Soft skills
analytical skillsattention to detailautonomous worktechnical decision makingdesign iteration