Research Scientist in Satellite Quantum Communications

• Devise new architectures, protocols, and prototype systems for satellite, drone, and ground‑based QKD
• Build and characterise free‑space optical systems including telescopes, beam expanders, modulated laser sources, detectors, tracking sensors, and timing subsystems
• Design and implement software for system control, automation, synchronisation, simulation, and data analysis
• Interface with high‑speed RF electronics, FPGA systems, and digital processing pipelines
• Define overall architectures for drone–ground–satellite QKD links, ensuring coherent optical, mechanical, electronic, and software integration
• Translate high‑level mission goals into engineering requirements, performance budgets, and subsystem specifications
• Develop and maintain interface control documentation for optical, electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems
• Plan and execute end‑to‑end test campaigns, from benchtop optical characterisation to outdoor field trials
• Conduct environmental and reliability assessments: thermal design/analysis, vibration isolation approaches, redundancy strategies, and failure‑mode assessment
• Perform calibration and metrology: optical alignment, polarisation extinction ratio checks, timing calibration, detector characterisation
• Plan and support field deployments, including drone flight tests, ground‑station alignment procedures, and free‑space link commissioning
• Define operational procedures for link acquisition, tracking, link maintenance, data capture, and safety protocols
• Mentor PhD students and early‑career staff
• Analyse experimental data and communicate findings through scientific publications, internal reviews, and international conferences
• Collaborate with industrial partners and academic groups across the UK, Europe, and Japan

• PhD in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field
• Several years of hands‑on experience in optical, quantum, or free‑space communication systems
• Proven ability to build and characterise complex optical/electronic experimental setups
• Experience with system design, integration, troubleshooting, and data analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self‑starter attitude, with enthusiasm for learning new skills and working in a multidisciplinary team

• Knowledge of QKD, quantum optics, or quantum communications
• Experience with electronics design (PCB development, FPGA programming, high‑speed electronics)
• Experience with free‑space optical communications, satellite payloads, optical tracking, or precision opto‑mechanical systems
• Competence in Python or similar languages
• experience with version control (e.g., Git)
• Familiarity with aerospace standards, environmental testing, or mission engineering

Generous Benefits Package