Applied Cryptography Engineer

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit 🪐? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?

We are currently looking for an Applied Cryptography Engineer to join our team in Windhof, Luxembourg.

You will be responsible for the entire end-to-end cryptographic integrity of the system, from the physical (quantum) layer to the abstract (MPC) and application (PQC) layers. You will act as the key person that guarantees the security of the entire key generation and delivery chain.

About the client and location

Starion Luxembourg provides full lifecycle engineering solutions, including design, integration and operation, for complex programmes. We supply operations and ground system engineering services for missions including Earth observation, quantum communications, scientific, navigation and space exploration, helping both New Space and established organisations set up their operations infrastructure or introduce new ground segment technologies.

In partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), Starion Luxembourg is leading a consortium of key partners to develop and demonstrate a next-generation operational testbed targeting end-to-end quantum-safe communications. We work to provide operational solutions over fibre and satellite networks in existing national and international environments.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Leading the security design of INT-UQKD protocol(s), covering the full stack: physical QKD key generation, resilient secret sharing, and the multiparty key delivery application across distributed communication.
• Developing the security models for the cryptographic primitives underpinning the protocol(s), ensuring that their implementation is formally robust against attacks, delivering a key delivery service that aligns with INT-UQKD security and operational requirements.
• Collaborating with the system architect to convert the system architecture into clear, technical requirements that enable the development team to implement the protocols securely and reliably.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• University Degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Experience in applied cryptography with deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the prevalent cryptographic schemes (QKD, Post- Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Threshold schemes (e.g. Shamir’s Secret Sharing).
• Ability to design, analyse, and establish formal security proof of complex multi- layered cryptographic protocols against a range of adversities (computational, quantum, insider, etc.).
• System engineering experience with the ability to prepare documents following security requirements.
• Desire to work both independently and as part of a team, in an international, multicultural environment.
• Solution orientated mindset, with customer focused communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills would be highly desirable.

• Experience with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)
• Experience with operation and / or security assessment of quantum-safe
• Experience in project execution following international standards, such as space (ECSS, CCDS, IDSIS), military (MIL-STD, NATO) or regulatory (ETSI, ITU, 3GPP) standards.
• Experience in creating cybersecurity test plans, performing critical (including space-related) system cybersecurity testing, and analysing test results.
• Familiar monitoring protocols and OS tools, such as SNMP or Syslog.

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• Familiar with secure software development life cycle (SDLC) principles and practices.
• Knowledgeable with automated software deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications (Kubernetes)
• Eligibility for NATO and/or EU Security clearances.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

About Starion

Starion is a rebranded entity from the RHEA Group, specializes in space consultancy and engineering solutions across Europe. With over 30 years of expertise, we support space, defense, and critical infrastructure projects, driving innovation through AI, quantum, and system engineering. Our teams work on pioneering space missions, delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to our clients' needs. Strategically located near client offices in Europe, we ensure agility and responsiveness. Our engineers and researchers are industry leaders, developing space-based technologies that tackle global challenges like civil security, climate change, and deforestation.