System Engineer - Optical Ground Station for Space-Based QKD (all genders)

1 System Engineer - Optical Ground Station for Space-Based QKD (all genders) Key Responsibilities * 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, turbulance 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. Your Profile * 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 turbulance mitigation ** Field deployment of optical systems ** Environmental testing or hardware verification * Excellent communication skills and motivation to work in interdisciplinary engineering teams. What we offer * Work on mission-critical quantum communication systems that enable secure global networks. * Join a fast-growing, interdisciplinary team spanning optics, electronics, mechanics, control systems, and quantum science. * Shape and deploy state-of-the-art Optical Ground Stations and Quantum Receivers from prototypes to operational installations. * Flat hierarchies, ownership, and the opportunity to drive innovation in an emerging deep-tech sector. * A collaborative and innovative environment in Vienna, a global hub for quantum research and space technology. * Flexible work arrangements in a hybrid model combining remote and onsite collaboration * The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of quantum technologies * Balanced work-life integration for our employees * Attractive workplace with excellent infrastructure at Wienerberg * Great Italian espresso * Humorous and friendly work atmosphere Working time and location - Full time - 08:00 - 17:00 or by appointment - Vienna, 1100 Send your application documents to: for the attention of  Raphael Schmid. Please include in the subject line the job reference  17108316URM Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to c...