Senior Systems Software Engineer

The RoleThe 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 ResponsibilitiesLeading and co-owning the QKD software architecture: control plane services, key sifting/postprocessing integration, configuration management, monitoring, and external interfacesDefining module boundaries and service APIs; evolving the system toward clear data/control-plane separationEfficient implementation and hardware/software integrationDesigning and implementing high-performance Python services on Linux (asyncio, WebSockets, NumPy); profiling and tuning for latency and throughputDeveloping, 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 modesGuiding downstream system integration (WebSockets/gRPC/REST) and ensuring clear contracts and backward compatibilityDesigning for test - building mocks/simulators and automated test systemsBuilding and maintaining CI/CD with Docker and GitHub Actions; automated tests, static analysis, artifact management, and release pipelinesEstablishing observability (structured logging, metrics, tracing) and operational runbooks; improving reliability and debuggability with SLOs/alertsEmbedding security and crypto hygiene by default: secure transport, secrets management, key handling, and coordination with cryptography stakeholdersAdding performance benchmarking and regression tracking for key rate and end-to-end latency; integrating profiling/flame graphs into CI and enforcing performance budgetsThe Requirements5+ years of Python development; 3+ years leading or co ‑ owning service/system architecture for a hardware ‑ first productStrong Linux async Python (asyncio, WebSockets), concurrency (threads/processes), profiling/tuningProven custom hardware integration (MCU, FPGA) over UART/USB/PCIe/EthernetCI/CD with Docker and GitHub Actions; automated testing, static analysis, artifact managementExperience with GPU & CUDA acceleration/optimization; SIMD familiarityProduction observability (logging/metrics/tracing) and incident/debug practicesWorking knowledge of relational/key-value/time-series stores (PostgreSQL/Redis/Prometheus)Security by Default mindset: secrets, secure transport, key/crypto hygieneProficiency in written and spoken EnglishAbility to be on-site in Munich office several times per weekApplicants 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 pipelinesGood to have: Exposure to C/C++ for low ‑ level interfacing and FPGA/embedded ecosystemsGood to have: Familiarity with gRPC/Protobuf, schema/versioning strategies, and KubernetesThe RewardsWe 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 pi #J-18808-Ljbffr