Engineer for Quantum Satellite Activities and Research

The i2CAT Foundation is seeking a Laboratory Support and Research Engineer in Quantum Communications to join the Quantum Satellite research line within the Space Communications Research Group. The role will support the deployment of the different simulation and experimental infrastructure for quantum communications and security. After deployment, the engineer will also contribute to research activities using the lab, both through hands-on experiments and in the modelling and theoretical analysis of related scenarios.

i2CAT's 2025 New Space Research is currently focused on the integration of peer-to-peer and networked quantum key distribution (QKD) over both free-space and optical fiber links, enabling integration with existing telecommunications networks. Deployment activities are ready to start, involving the installation of QKD systems, cybersecurity components, and additional communications and optical laboratory equipment to enable testing and research scenarios. Additional support is now required to successfully complete the deployment and meet the project's technical and research objectives.

The selected candidate will join the Quantum Satellite Research Line within the Space Communications area at the i2CAT Foundation, which leads the installation, deployment, and use of this infrastructure to support research activities in free-space optics and satellite-based quantum communications.

The activities where candidate will participate are:

• Support the design of use cases, requirements analysis, and detailed test scenario definition.
• Assist in the deployment and commissioning of laboratory equipment, including reception, installation, acceptance testing, and verification.
• Support integration, verification, and development of procedures and tools for research use of laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to the setup of experimental scenarios for research on integrating QKD and quantum communications with networks and satellite systems.
• Support analysis, modeling, and simulation based on information theory for evaluating quantum communication protocol performance.
• Contribute to the development of simulation and emulation tools for quantum networks, with a focus on integration with satellite system simulators and digital twin initiatives.
• Assist in Quantum Satellite research activities, supporting the advancement of quantum internet technologies for space communications.

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation center that promotes mission-driven R&D activities on advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. More than 15 years of international research define our expertise in the fields of 5G, IoT, VR, and Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and Digital Social Innovation. The center partners with companies, public administration, academia, and end-users to leverage this knowledge in order to meet real social and business challenges.

The greatest value of i2CAT is the talent of the people who make up our human team. We enjoy a team of people from more than 13 different nationalities and work every day to create and foster a work environment where we all feel comfortable creating, innovating and growing.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage! www.i2cat.net

What will you enjoy?

• Work from our offices or from home, whichever works best for you. We only ask for one day in person at the office to coordinate with the rest of the team.
• This is a full-time vacancy.
• We have a flexible work schedule respecting your work-life balance.
• Reduced working hours on Fridays and in July and August.
• Fix + variable salary based on objectives.
• You decide wether you preferr to receive your salary in 12 or 14 payments.
• Optional benefits: Configure your salary according to your needs. We offer you the option of restaurant vouchers, public transport vouchers, nursery services, and medical insurance.
• Annual leave of 27 working days.
• We have fruit in the office to promote a healthy lifestyle
• Free coffee and tea.
• If you are interested, you can participate in events of your sector.
• You will work with a laptop. You can choose your operative system, Mac, Linux or Windows.
• Company social and team-building events (virtual & in-person).
• You can develop your own and personal training programme with our support.
• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development.

Where will you do it?

At i2CAT we already have an established ‘work-from-home’ policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We expect that you attend the office one day per week to stay connected with your team and to engage with other colleagues

If you decide to come to the office, we are located in Zona Universitària, next to the Campus Nord of the UPC, within a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. It is a very well-connected area (metro, tram, bus) with bars and restaurants around.

Our offices are designed with an open-office concept where everything is light and transparency. We have a variety of workspaces so that you don't have to be at the same table all day.

i2CAT was granted the "HR Excellence in Research" award by the European Commission in 2018, recognizing our commitment to aligning HR practices with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct. As part of the HRS4R strategy, we ensure Open, Transparent, and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) in all selection processes.

Diversity is key to progress and innovation, and at the i2CAT Foundation, we actively work to create an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone can develop their full potential. That’s why we are committed to plurality and aim to increase the number of people with functional diversity within our team.  

We seek talented individuals with diverse perspectives to enrich our team. In our selection processes, we are committed to promoting female talent and are particularly interested in the experience of women and other underrepresented groups in the scientific and technological fields. This will help us be better prepared to tackle complex challenges. If candidates have similar qualifications, priority will be given to those belonging to one of these groups.  

We know that talent manifests in many different ways, and we are eager to discover new perspectives!  

If what you’ve read sounds good to you... let’s have a coffee, and we’ll tell you more! As part of the recruitment team, I would be happy to meet you, hear about your experience, and see how you could fit into our team.  

And if you liked it but this isn’t the right opportunity for you, maybe you know someone who would be a perfect fit and whom you’d like to recommend!