Senior Systems Software Engineer for a QKD System at Terra Quantum, Munich (Germany)

Job Description

Terra Quantum is hiring a Senior Systems Software Engineer to lead and co-own the software architecture of its quantum key distribution (QKD) system and its client-facing API. The work centres on high-performance Python services on Linux, speeding up QKD post-processing algorithms (sifting, error correction with LDPC codes, privacy amplification), and integrating software with FPGA and embedded hardware. As a senior engineer you will set standards, mentor others and keep releases predictable.

At a glance

• Role: Senior Systems Software Engineer
• Team: Applied Research (QKD)
• Location: Munich, Germany (hybrid; on site several times a week)
• Experience: 5+ years of Python; 3+ years owning system architecture
• Work rights: Right to work in Germany required; no visa sponsorship
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 14 October 2026)

What the role covers

• Lead the QKD software architecture: control-plane services, sifting and post-processing integration, configuration, monitoring and external interfaces
• Design and tune high-performance async Python services on Linux (asyncio, WebSockets, NumPy) for latency and throughput
• Optimise QKD sifting and post-processing (information reconciliation, LDPC, privacy amplification) to raise key rate, using vectorisation, C/C++ extensions or GPU/FPGA offload
• Define robust interfaces to FPGA and embedded components over UART, USB, PCIe and Ethernet, respecting real-time constraints
• Guide downstream integration through WebSockets, gRPC and REST with clear contracts and backward compatibility
• Set engineering standards, mentor colleagues and unblock delivery

What Terra Quantum is looking for

• 5+ years of Python development and 3+ years leading or co-owning service architecture for a hardware-first product
• Strong async Python on Linux, concurrency, profiling and tuning
• Proven integration with custom hardware (MCU, FPGA) over UART, USB, PCIe or Ethernet
• CI/CD with Docker and GitHub Actions, automated testing and production observability
• Experience with GPU/CUDA acceleration and SIMD, and working knowledge of PostgreSQL, Redis or Prometheus
• A security-by-default mindset, proficient English, the right to work in Germany and eligibility for a U.S. Secret or EU SECRET clearance

Nice to have

• Experience with QKD systems, cryptography or high-rate data pipelines
• Exposure to C/C++

Pay and location

Terra Quantum’s posting does not state a salary. The role is based in Munich with on-site presence several times a week.

How to apply

Apply through the official Terra Quantum job posting. Terra Quantum’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 14 October 2026. Terra Quantum states that applicants must already have the right to work in Germany (no visa sponsorship) and must be eligible for a U.S. Secret or EU SECRET security clearance. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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