Senior Systems Software Engineer

The Role

The

Senior

Systems Software Engineer will be a member of the core team building the Quantum Key Distribution system. The focus is on high-performance Python services on Linux, algorithm

optimization

and acceleration (also via hardware offload), and the role spans defining software architecture, integrating with FPGA/embedded subsystems, and turning requirements into reliable, observable software.

The

Senior

Systems Software Engineer

leads and co-owns the overall

internal QKD

software architecture and

client-facing

software API. By setting engineering standards, mentoring, and unblocking delivery, they ensure predictable releases and a strong execution cadence.

The Responsibilities

The

Senior Systems Software Engineer

should expect to work

in

the following activities.

System architecture Leading and co-owning the QKD software architecture: control plane services, key sifting/postprocessing integration, configuration management, monitoring, and external interfaces

Defining module boundaries and service APIs; evolving the system toward clear data/control-plane separation

Efficient implementation and hardware/software integration Designing and implementing high-performance Python services on Linux (asyncio, WebSockets, NumPy); profiling and tuning for latency and throughput Developing, profiling, and optimizing QKD sifting and postprocessing algorithms

(signal handling/processing, error correction/information reconciliation, LDPC, privacy amplification) to maximize key rate and minimize end-to-end latency; applying algorithmic improvements and implementation techniques (vectorization, concurrency/async, memory/layout tuning, C/C++ extensions, SIMD/CUDA/GPU/FPGA offload where appropriate) Defining and maintaining robust interfaces with embedded/FPGA system components over UART/USB/PCIe/Ethernet; respecting realtime constraints and failure modes

Guiding downstream system integration (WebSockets/gRPC/REST) and ensuring clear contracts and backward compatibility Designing for test – building mocks/simulators and automated test systems

DevOps Building and maintaining CI/CD with Docker and GitHub Actions; automated tests, static analysis, artifact management, and release pipelines Establishing observability (structured logging, metrics, tracing) and operational runbooks; improving reliability and debuggability with SLOs/alerts Embedding security and crypto hygiene by default: secure transport, secrets management, key handling, and coordination with cryptography stakeholders Adding performance benchmarking and regression tracking for key rate and end-to-end latency; integrating profiling/flame graphs into CI and enforcing performance budgets

The Requirements

The

Senior Systems Software Engineer

is expected to have the following qualifications and experience.

5+ years of Python development; 3+ years leading or co ‑ owning service/system architecture for a hardware ‑ first product

Strong Linux async Python (asyncio,

WebSockets), concurrency (threads/processes), profiling/tuning

Proven

custom

hardware integration

(MCU, FPGA)

over UART/USB/PCIe/Ethernet

CI/CD with Docker and GitHub Actions; automated testing, static analysis, artifact management

Experience with GPU & CUDA acceleration/optimization; SIMD familiarity

Production observability (logging/metrics/tracing) and incident/debug practices

Working knowledge of relational/key-value/time-series stores (PostgreSQL/Redis/Prometheus)

Security

by

Default

mindset: secrets, secure transport, key/crypto hygiene

Proficiency

in written and spoken English

Ability to be on-site in Munich office several times per week

Applicants must have the right to work in Germany at the time of application. We do not provide visa sponsorship.

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain either (a) a U.S. Secret (or higher) security clearance or (b) an EU SECRET (or national equivalent) personnel security clearance. Employment is contingent on meeting applicable government security requirements; eligibility is determined by the competent authorities. Good to have:

Experience with QKD systems, cryptography, or high ‑ rate data pipelines

Exposure to C/C++ for low ‑ level interfacing and FPGA/embedded ecosystems

Familiarity with

gRPC/Protobuf, schema/versioning strategies, and Kubernetes

The Rewards

We are an international team of quantum technology experts and dedicated business creatives that are working to bring quantum-enabled solutions to the global market. Our brilliant team members enjoy a high degree of freedom working remotely or joining one of our office spaces. We have a vibrant, enthusiastic, passionate and creative culture driven by trust, excellence and continuous improvement. If you join the Terra Quantum team, you can expect:

An opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the pioneering field of Quantum Technologies as well as an experienced and progressive Leadership team Gain knowledge of some of the most cutting-edge technology developments in science & engineering

A chance to be part of one of Europe’s leading technology firms of the upcoming decades Welcoming, friendly, and professional colleagues A personal development plan with clear goals for advancement A competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

A diverse and supportive atmosphere, where innovation and initiative are encouraged

If you are enthusiastic about positively impacting the world and helping to drive the second quantum revolution, let’s talk!

Company description

Quantum technologies have the potential to solve some of the world’s biggest challenge