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 challenges. There have been great advances in all areas of quantum technologies, and new fields of application are opened up every day. Hybrid computer systems that combine classic high-performance computing with quantum computers are already being used to develop solutions in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, finance, energy, automotive and aerospace. Quantum mechanical predictions are also used to obtain unprecedented precision in measurements, generate unbreakable codes, and form the basis of impenetrable communication networks. All these developments are happening right now, and they are happening at Terra Quantum.

At Terra Quantum we are building the world’s leading Quantum Technology company. We offer customers world-class quantum technology expertise organized as “quantum-as-a-service”: hybrid quantum algorithms, quantum compute and quantum enabled security solutions. Through the proprietary quantum cloud, customers have access to a unique technology platform which provides a toolset to solve real-world challenges in the realms of machine learning, optimization and simulation, today. In 2022, the company closed its Series A financing round with a $75m fundraise.

Quantum physics has, in some respects, parallels to the machine language of our computers-the zeros and ones into which our keyboard or touchscreen instructions are translated for execution in the computer-only on a larger scale: it is the machine language of the universe. The second quantum revolution is based on the control of individual quantum systems, such as individual atoms. We use quantum computers to solve currently unsolvable problems, simulate molecules and their interactions, find drugs for diseases that are not yet curable, find new materials, or make artificial intelligence stronger. Quantum is now.

Terra Quantum is a future-focused quantum services and technology company working on making the second quantum revolution a reality. Terra Quantum’s activities span all areas, markets, and industries globally.

• Our purpose is to pioneer quantum technologies to change the world for good,
• Our vision is to lead the quantum revolution and be the trailblazer in technology solutions, shaping a better future for humankind to thrive in, and
• Our mission is to unleash the power of quantum tech to deliver meaningful solutions today

Terra Quantum is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity, inclusion and employee well-being.

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