Senior Engineer, Quantum Secure Networks, Compliance & Certification

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The incumbent will support the delivery of EAGLE-neXt, a satellite-based QKD system intended to provide end-to-end unclassified key distribution services worldwide. Phase A/B1 focuses on defining the technical baseline, including security, establishing the system requirements, and maturing critical technologies, building on the heritage of QUARTZ and EAGLE-1.

Furthermore, the incumbent will be responsible for or assist in producing technical proposals in response to international tenders. This encompasses managing inter-company or consortia projects as the prime organisation. The incumbent joins an international team of highly experienced engineers and steadily assumes more responsibility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Be responsible, as a senior engineer in compliance and certification and as a work package lead, for the execution of assigned technical activities within inter-company or consortium projects and services for external and internal customers, in line with the agreed requirements, schedule and budget, meaning:
  • Supporting Quantum Key Distribution related standardisation and interoperability activities through engagement with potential partners, competitors and standardisation bodies, such as IEEE QKD groups
  • Identifying system requirements through the review of security standards, such as ISO/IEC 2700x and SOC 2, as well as security regulations relevant to customer sectors
  • Identifying process and organisational requirements through the review of security standards and applicable security regulations, including NIS2
  • Analysing regulatory trends affecting customer industries in relation to quantum resilience, and disseminating relevant information within the team
  • Supporting system compliance from the early design phase onwards with applicable laws, information security authority directives, and security standards
  • Supporting compliance of operational processes with applicable laws and regulations, information security authority directives, and security standards
  • Coordinating, within the domain of responsibility, with relevant institutions in the EU and Singapore, such as IMDA and MAS, in order to capture needs and translate them into technical and compliance requirements
  • Preparing and coordinating certification activities for developed technologies and for the operation of quantum-safe solutions
  • Translating complex regulatory and certification requirements into practical internal policies, procedures and engineering constraints
  • Leading assigned work packages, including planning, coordination, follow-up of actions, and reporting of progress, risks and issues

• Take an active part in SES TechCom's proposal activities through the provision of Technical Specifications, Statement of Works (SOW's) and Cost Estimations, in response to customer Requests For Information (RFI) and customer Requests For Proposals (RFP), whereby the activities could include the set-up, supervision and coordination of interdisciplinary, intercompany proposal teams in function of the technical and commercial proposal preparation and along contract negotiation process
• Proactively scopes the technical solution required to address customer requirements, assesses customers met and unmet needs, and recommends solutions that optimize value for both the customer and the firm
• Awareness and evaluation of relevant technological developments, market trends, competitive factors, customer requirements, standardisation licensing and regulatory aspects. Make recommendations regarding the evolution of SES and SES TechCom's services and products
• Coach and mentor younger engineers in their domain of expertise.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a structured approach
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics to heterogeneous audiences
• Ability to work effectively across cross-functional and multicultural teams
• Business-oriented mindset with proactive customer and partner engagement
• Innovative and solution-focused, with a pragmatic approach to improvement
• Ability to work independently while remaining a reliable team player
• Sound conflict management skills in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments
• Collaborative mindset, with experience working in consortia and standardisation bodies
• Knowledge of cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution concepts
• Knowledge of institutional environments and standardisation governance
• Strong knowledge of information security standards and good practices (e.g. ISO/IEC27000, NIST SP 800)
• Strong knowledge of EU regulatory frameworks, including NIS2, the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and GDPR
• Good knowledge of product certification processes and requirements (e.g. Common Criteria, CE marking)
• Knowledge of satellite technologies and space networks is an asset

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master's Degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience across network security, system security, application security, security architecture and technology standardization
• Experience in:
  • Compliance program development
  • Policy creation and implementation
  • Conformity assessments
  • Communication on policies and procedures
  • Common Criteria certification process
• Expertise in the following fields is considered an asset:
  • Optical communications for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Networks,
  • Cryptography,
  • Key Management Systems,
  • Industry-related security standards (e.g. finance, health, EU institutions),
• ISO/IEC 2700x-related certifications, CISM, CISA, CISSP certification are a plus

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Fluency in English; proficiency in an additional EU-27 language is considered an asset.
• Willingness to travel internationally
• Main interfaces to other departments: “Business Development and Sales”, “Finance and Operations”, “Project Management”, “System Architecture”, “Engineering Departments”
• Eligibility for ESA, EU, and NATO SECRET security clearances is required, and the candidate must be willing to undergo the relevant clearance procedures if needed for the position.

SES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer