Photonics / Systems Engineer (m/f/d) Quantum Technologies

Location: Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany; flexible hybrid arrangement balancing remote and on-site work

Company

hirify.global develops high-tech space systems and satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science, exploration, human spaceflight, and aerial reconnaissance.

What you will do

• Contribute to quantum technology and secure communication studies, early-phase projects, and implementation projects across space mission phases.
• Design, lay out, simulate, and take out photonic integrated circuits in a fabless manufacturing workflow.
• Define and manage customer, mission, and system requirements, specifications, interfaces, technical baselines, and budgets.
• Develop and test photonic technology units and packaged circuits in laboratory environments up to TRL 4.
• Plan and execute system- and subsystem-level testing, validation, and verification, including satellite-to-ground synchronization analysis.
• Manage work packages and sub-projects, coordinate subcontractors and customers, and contribute to quantum technology proposals.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in physics, photonics, quantum optics, or a related field.
• Proven knowledge of photonic integrated circuit design, tape-out, and testing.
• Experience with quantum key distribution concepts and systems, plus a strong interest in quantum technologies and communications.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in technology development up to TRL 4, ideally involving space-based QKD or free-space optics.
• Knowledge of space systems engineering, requirements definition, or MBSE is advantageous.
• Programming experience with Python, C, or C++ for hardware integration, automation, development, and system testing is advantageous.

Nice to have

• Experience with PDK-based design on an InP platform.
• Initial experience with technical baselines, system engineering, or managing externally developed technical solutions up to TRL 9.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working hours, mobile work, sabbaticals, 30 days of vacation, and special leave days.
• Structured onboarding with a buddy, professional development, training courses, German language courses, and annual employee dialogue.
• 13th monthly salary, accident insurance, company pension plan, and subsidized meals.
• Health promotion programs, E-GYM Wellpass, sports groups, childcare support, and paid child sickness days.
• Subsidized Deutschland ticket, job bike, parking, company events, and opportunities for research and development.

Hiring process

• Applications are accepted in German or English through the online application tool.