Photonics Systems Engineer - Quantum Technologies

This is a key role in implementation of technology and missions with focus on satellite-based quantum communication. With your strong expertise in integrated photonics you are the point of contact for the engineering team when it comes to technical questions in this context. With your passion for quantum technologies, you will prospectively act as the technical point of contact for subcontractors and customers in the fields of photonics and quantum technologies and systems. We are looking for someone interested in vertical technology development, hands-on mentality and strong background in integrated photonic circuit design and simulation. And at the same time willingness to take a system level perspective, technically managing entire units in the context of quantum communication. Your responsibilities will span the full systems engineering lifecycle—from requirements definition to testing, validation, and verification. Ideally you have already first expertise in the context of System Engineering. In your daily work this will translate into following key responsibilities: Quantum Technologies & Secure CommunicationContribute to studies and early-phase projects (Phases 0/A/B) focused on quantum technologiesSupport implementation projects (Phases B/C/D/E) in the context of secure and quantum communication systems with focus on vertical technology development and photonic integrated circuitsSystems Engineering Define and manage customer, mission, and system requirementsDevelop specifications for systems and subsystems, including interface engineeringDefine technical baselines and budgets for systems and subsystemsPerform trade-offs of technical and programmatic solutionsCompile documentation according to space standardsTechnical Implementation Design, layout, simulate and tape-out photonic integrated circuit in a fabless manufacturing workflowChip level and packaged PIC testing and verification in an iterative developmentDevelopment and implementation of technology units in the laboratory up to TRL 4Overview and management of technical solutions developed externally for particular systems and subsystems up to TRL9Reporting and technical contact person towards stakeholders for particular systems and subsystemsTesting, Validation & Verification Plan and execute test campaigns at system and subsystem levelsConduct laboratory work to implement validation and verification activitiesAnalyze and trade-off performance-related parameters e.g. for time, frequency and polarization synchronization between satellite and groundProject & Work Package Management Manage work packages and sub-projects within larger projectsRepresent the work packages and/or sub-project(s) as technical point-of-contact towards sucontractors and customersProposal Development Participate in or lead proposal creation, particularly in the domain of quantum technologiesDefine technical baselines and development logic for proposalsDefine study and development logic, including work breakdown structuresSupport budget definition and engineering activitiesYour Qualifications Master in Physics, photonics, quantum optics or related field Proven knowledge in photonic integrated circuit design, tape-out and testingExperience with PDK-based design on InP platform is a plusPassion for quantum technologies and/or quantum communicationsExperience with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) concepts and systemsKnowledge in system engineering for space, e.g. requirement definition and/or MBSE is an advantageHands-on experience in the lab in the context of technology development up to TRL 4, ideally in the context of QKD for space-based applications or free space opticsExperience with programming (python, C, C++) for hardware integration, automation, development and system testing is a plusStrong solution oriented, self-managed and pro-active working stylePassion for technology and the motivation to turn ideas into reality