Senior Software Engineer, Quantum-Safe Communications

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?

As part of a consortium with the European Space Agency (ESA), Starion is contributing to the development of a next‑generation operational testbed for end‑to‑end quantum‑safe communications, integrating secure systems over fibre and satellite networks.

We are now seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support the INT‑UQKD project, contributing to the implementation of quantum‑safe security protocols and the simulation and monitoring of system processes within an international, multidisciplinary environment.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Understanding the overall system architecture, design software components within an existing framework, and collaborate with distributed teams across multiple countries.
• Implementing and deploying distributed backend software with secure, standards‑based interfaces (e.g., REST APIs).
• Designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines in a fully automated build environment.
• Maintaining and developing backend components in languages like Rust or Python.
• Allocating responsibilities, manage task execution, and support the team throughout project delivery.
• Coordinating, negotiating, and aligning interface designs across subsystems to ensure seamless integration.
• Delivering rigorous analysis of development practices to drive continuous improvements in code quality and team performance.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Aerospace, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years’ experience in software engineering, preferably within an international context.
• Professional experience with high‑level programming languages such as C/C++, Rust, Python, or Java, applied to building enterprise‑grade systems.
• Professional experience designing and implementing backend subsystems and secure interfaces.
• Familiar with secure software development best practices and tools.
• Experience with DevSecOps systems and CI/CD workflows—including source control and automated testing—along with hands‑on experience developing and operating in Linux environments.
• Able to bridge teams with diverse backgrounds and technologies to facilitate effective collaboration.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Experience working with international standards such as ECSS, CCSDS, IDSIS, MIL‑STD, NATO, ETSI, ITU, or 3GPP.
• Experience with mathematical modelling and simulation tools such as Matlab, Simulink, Wolfram System Modeler, or similar.
• Understanding of telecommunications systems across space and terrestrial domains.

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• Familiarity with MBSE methodology.
• Working knowledge of another European language, such as French or German.
• Cybersecurity experience.
• NATO and/or EU security clearance, or willingness to undergo the clearance process.

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.