QKD — Quantum Key Distribution · QKD — Quantum Key Distribution

QKD Systems & Protocol Engineer

Engineer BB84, decoy-state and entanglement-capable QKD protocols, security assumptions, sifting, error correction, privacy amplification and authenticated classical-channel integration.

Role mandate

Build the capability for the era ahead.

This team member will combine subject-matter depth, sound judgment and disciplined execution to move the mission from architecture to measurable results.

Responsibilities

Own the QKD — Quantum Key Distribution workstream for QKD Systems & Protocol Engineer and deliver measurable technical or operating outcomes.
Architect quantum-ready systems that integrate post-quantum cryptography, QKD and conventional network controls.
Model trust boundaries, key lifecycles, link performance and migration dependencies.
Translate current research and standards into practical enterprise and mission architectures.

Required qualifications

Experience in quantum communications, applied cryptography, photonics, network security or a closely related discipline.
Working knowledge of PQC migration, key management and secure communications architecture.
Ability to document, test and explain complex technical tradeoffs.

Preferred experience

Graduate study or equivalent research experience in quantum information, physics, electrical engineering or computer science.
Experience with regulated or mission-critical infrastructure.

Scientific and technical requirements

Physics, mathematics and engineering foundations

Quantum information: qubits, superposition, measurement, no-cloning, entanglement, polarization and phase encoding.
BB84, decoy-state, entanglement-based and measurement-device-independent security models; authenticated classical channels and composable security.
Probability, information theory, Poisson photon statistics, linear algebra, hypothesis testing and finite-key statistical bounds.

Mathematics and working equations

QBER = Nerror / Nsifted; separate optical misalignment, background, detector dark-count and timing contributions.
Mean photons per pulse μ and Poisson probability P(n) = e^(−μ)μⁿ/n! govern weak-coherent-pulse and decoy-state analysis.
Link transmission η = ηtx · ηchannel · ηrx · ηdet; loss LdB = −10 log10(η), including atmosphere, diffraction, pointing and receiver losses.
Secret-key rate is bounded after parameter estimation, error correction and privacy amplification; state protocol, security proof and finite sample size.

Hardware, flight and infrastructure components

Weak-coherent or entangled-photon source, intensity/phase/polarization modulators, decoy controller, attenuator and quantum random-number generator.
Telescope or fiber channel, spectral/spatial filtering, APD or SNSPD receiver, time tagger, clock synchronization and authenticated classical modem.
QKD post-processing engine, trusted key-management boundary, HSM/KMS interface, encryptor and monitored optical/thermal/mechanical assembly.

Software, laboratory and analysis tools

Python, MATLAB or Julia for photon/link and finite-key simulation; QuTiP where appropriate; optical-system and pointing analysis.
Single-photon counting, time-correlated photon counting, optical spectrum/power measurement, polarization analysis, interferometry and QBER/key-rate dashboards.

Verification and mission skills

Measure source statistics, detector efficiency, dark counts, afterpulsing, timing jitter, QBER, secret-key rate, authentication failure and side-channel leakage.
For space QKD, validate acquisition probability, turbulence/fading, daylight background, Doppler/timing, pointing stability, pass duration and key availability.

Authoritative technical references

The hiring sequence will follow operating milestones and project requirements. The position may begin through advisory, consulting or project-based work before moving into a full-time role.

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