Quantum/Optical Communication Architect

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate. Work packageProgram Reference: SAGA, HYDRON, OPTIMAand new QKD related initiatives (Italian nationality has priority). Main Role(Architect -Solution): To define, propose and maintain the architecture and to support system engineering activities manage ment in the frame of optical/quantum telecommunication solutions and systems, in all phases of a space project life cycle, from concept definition, design specification to manufacturing, integration, verification phasesuntil to operations. Responsibilities: To define and propose solutions to meet customer requirements in compliance with product and / system technical strategy. To assess technique and technological choices to ensure the best trade-off between customer requirements, technical solutions andcost & risk control. To guarantee the preparation of technical documentation (specification, design and justification files etc.) with the adequate quality level and to support the subcontractor choice for needed subsystem acquisition, taking into accountpossible export control restrictions. To contribute to system engineering activity management, within constraints provided by the agreed architecture and design policy in order to satisfy customer requirements, and ensures global development consistency. To contribute to planning and coordination of system engineering activities by interacting with Project Design Authorities, team of Architects and specialties System Engineers. To contribute to the identification of WBS, OBS and associated project tasks, tailoring development process and ensuring achievement of the development baselines (functional, allocated and product), To contribute to identification of Risks & Opportunities of design and development during bid phase, to guarantee programme commitments, including those flown down to subcontractors and partners. To optimize technical work against costs, schedule and risks from design to validation and acceptance of the solution. To implement the decisions and actions coming from the Complexity Profiler analysis. To define and tailor the engineering environment suitable for the Bid or the Project. To guarantee the proper coordination with Solution/System/Payload Architects, in:o capturing quantum key distribution(QKD)/optical requirements, defining systemand subsystems architectural solutions meeting the requirements, assessing achievable systemand subsystems performance for the proposed architectures, identifying improvement opportunities;o performing requirements flow-down, from customer specification down-to equipment requirements;o generating representative software simulation models for end-to-end systems, for payloadsand advanced architectures focusing on quantum communications, quantum key distribution and optical communications. To contribute to the development of quantum and optical communication laboratory by:o defining appropriate testbed architecture; generating specifications for HW and SW equipment to be implemented in the tes-bed;o technically assessing the offers produced by external suppliers;o performing tests in laboratory and collecting and analyzing the results. To lead the preparation of review design documentationfor the activity under his responsibility. To provide technical interface of IVVQ Manager , to guarantee the consistency bet ween design and IVVQ activities. To support the anomaly management process through anomaly reviews, corrective action development and payload performance analysis. To participate in AIV/AIT reviews and satellite test activities.Experience / Qualifications:Master’s Degree in Physics or Engineering or equivalent, with a specialization including quantum optics, quantum communications, optical communications, telecommunications. PhD in quantum opticsand quantum and optical communication is considered a plus. Experience in quantum/optical laboratory environmentis considered a plus. Experience in satellite industry environmentis considered a plus. Great technical, interpersonal, and business oriented skills. Knowledge of end-to-end (E2E)system,segment andsub-systems architecture design and manufacturing with focus on:o Quantum communication technologies at satellite and ground segment level;o Optical technologies at satellite and ground segment level;o QKD protocols;o Optical and quantum communication link budgetsand performance analyses;o System modelling and performance assessment;o Network architectural design and management with knowledge of main telecom QKD protocols. Experience in programming languages (Python/Java/Cn) and payload computer simulation (Matlab, Simulink, SATSOFT, STK) and design tools is an asset. Knowledge of cybersecurity needs and solutions is an asset. Knowledge of typical ground segment features and international communication standards is an asset. Experience in equipment procurement activities is an asset. Excellent English communications skills both written and oral. Willingness to learn new technologies and systems. Ability to work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment and to define and implement solutions in line with team and individual objectives and project deadlines. Good analytical, organizational and reporting skills, a proactive attitude to solve problems and an interest in innovative technologies. INCOSE Certification is a plus.END OFDOCUMENT At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!