Loula Beck

Embedded systems and software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer with 6+ years of experience in C/C++ development, embedded Linux, space-grade software (ESA projects) and Key Management Systems for satellite quantum communications. Experienced in team leadership, code reviews, and mentoring, with an ability to deliver reliable solutions in constrained environments.
I am currently working in SES Networks in Betzdorf, Luxembourg
Feel free to send me a message.

About Me

Profile picture
  • Name: Loula Beck
  • Date of birth: 03 Aug 1995
  • Address: Luxembourg
  • Nationality: French
  • Phone: (+352) 691 419584
  • Email: loula.beck@gmail.com

Objective

Embedded Software Engineer offering over six years of experience delivering robust and secure software solutions in constrained environments. Seeking a role to combine deep technical contribution with team leadership, mentorship, and driving code quality through rigorous code reviews.

What I Do ?

Specialized in high-reliability software development for mission-critical and constrained systems. Proven ability to architect, develop, and deploy complex solutions using C/C++ in Embedded Linux environments. I combine deep technical expertise with a strong focus on quality, process, and team enablement.

  • Space-Grade Development: Extensive background in developing and maintaining software under stringent ESA project standards for high-stakes space applications.
  • Core Technologies:Deep practical experience with C/C++ development, Embedded Linux, low-level hardware interfacing, and systems optimization.
  • Technical Leadership & Quality: Skilled in leading technical execution, providing effective mentorship, and ensuring code reliability through rigorous code reviews and adherence to Agile methodologies.
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Experience

Since March 2023 SES Logo

Embedded systems software developer

SES, Luxembourg

Leading a 3-engineer team on the Key Management System (KMS) for ESA’s EAGLE-1 satellite project, ensuring continuity of the QUARTZ QKD system Developing C++ embedded Linux modules with ECSS-compliant reliability standards for space-grade systems
Supporting setup for remote development on specific hardware
Building and maintaining CI pipelines, cutting integration and validation time
Providing code reviews, technical mentoring, and architecture guidance across the team

July 2022 - Feb. 2023 RHEA Logo

Software Engineer

RHEA Group (Starion), Luxembourg

Supported ESA’s INT-UQKD project, coordinating subcontractor deliverables and conducting technical reviews.
Acted as liaison between ESA project managers and engineering teams, ensuring alignment of technical execution with project requirements

Oct. 2018 - June 2022 SES Logo

(Junior) Software engineer

SES, Luxembourg

Designed and Implemented Key Management Service (KMS) modules in C++ for the ESA QUARTZ satellite QKD project, proving feasibility of quantum key distribution key handling and securing of the system. Validated system components using Google Test, Python and Ansible for automated verification

Feb. 2018 - Aug. 2018 SES Logo

Embedded Software Engineer (Intership)

SES, Luxembourg

Prototyped a Roadside Communication Unit with Raspberry Pi, LoRa, MQTT, and Python microservices, enabling secure IoT data exchange

Projects

Since March 2023 SES Logo

Eagle-1 QKD

SES, Luxembourg

Description

Eagle-1 is a EU project for development of an experimental LEO satellite constellation for Quantum Key Distribution (Quantum Encryption) based on the BB84 algorithm. ESA (European Space Agency) is a project manager of the project (part of the IRIS2 programme) and SES is the prime contractor, where SES manages and orchestrates the development of the satellite payload, satellite, launch, operations, ground systems, operation systems, software in space, on the ground, terminals and gateways, etc.

My role

My role in this project is to define the architecture and develop the QKD software (orchestrating the key distribution in a secure manner) including both payload and on-ground software components of the QKD process, as well as to lead the team of 3 people involved into the development of this software component.
As part of the software development we have applied for a couple of patents for some important innovations made in the process (reference below).

Tools

  • QKD Payload software: C, C++, CMake, Conan2.0, ASN.1, Google Test Suite, Azure DevOPs, Azure Pipelines, Bash, SonarQube, JAMA, Teledyne QLS1046, PikeOS, ELinOS
  • QKD Ground software: C, C++, CMake, Conan2.0, Azure DevOPs, Azure Pipelines, DELL XR7620, PikeOS, ELinOS, docker, docker-compose, kubernetes
Since October 2024 GitHub Logo

Toy C Compiler (Personal Project, C++/LLVM)

Personal, Luxembourg

Description

Toy compiler with lexing, parsing, semantic analysis, and code generation, exploring low-level Optimizations. The goal of this project is to help me improve myself as a better programmer and to deepen my understanding of the system programming, low level management, memory management, code optimizations, assembly optimizations, programming language specifics and implementation details.

My role

Designed the programming language, created the lexer, parser, the compiler, debug and validation

Tools

Python, Ply, LLVM, C++, CMake, Conan 2, Google Test Suite, Bison, Flex, Docker, devcontainers, GDB

July 2022 - Feb. 2023 RHEA Logo

INT-UQKD

RHEA Group (Starion), Luxembourg

Description

INT-UQKD is a EU project for development and demonstration of international use cases for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in operational IT environments. The system architecture design and project management tasks are fulfilled by RHEA/Starion Luxembourg, working with POST Luxembourg, the University of Luxembourg’s SnT, HITEC Luxembourg, evolutionQ (Canada) and SpeQtral (Singapore). The project is funded through ESA’s ARTES Public Partnership Programme and by the Singaporean Office for Space Technology & Industry.

My role

My role in this project was to coordinate subcontractor deliverables and conduct technical reviews with clear understanding of the satellite and platform implementation and inner workings. I acted as liaison between ESA project managers and engineering teams, ensuring alignment of technical execution with project requirements. This role included defining the project requirements and deliverables i.e. which ECSS documents will be provided, the expected dates of deliveries, schedule meetings with the different consortium members, ESA meetings. For the deliverables, as part of the ECSS process a definition of how you will structure your deliveries needs to be provided, e.g. which milestones should be achieved, based on the project objectives. For example if the project doesn’t include launching a satellite, the requirements of the tests and validation can be relaxed. During milestones, a proof of what was achieved needs to be provided either via documents e.g. requirements, design, interface or via demonstrations of working systems.

Tools

Office documents, Visio, Excel, ECSS document format, project management

July. 2019 - June 2022 SES Logo

QUARTZ

SES, Luxembourg

Description

QUARTZ (Quantum Cryptography Telecommunication System) is a project managed by the SES-led consortium of partners, under the umbrella of ESA’s new ARTES / ScyLight programme called SeCure and Laser Communication Technology in a dedicated Programme Line for Quantum Technologies. It is an innovative, robust, scalable and commercially viable satellite-based QKD service. It will enable the generation of encryption keys by secure laser links from satellite to users on the ground via a laser terminal for optical communication, as well as photon transmission for the quantum keys.

The Key Management System purpose is to assure the security of the communications within the QUARTZ system by using quantum randomly generated keys distributed via satellite. The development is done in partnership with the Austrian Institute of Technology.

My role

My role in this project was to help in the design, implement and validate Key Management Service (KMS) modules, proving feasibility of quantum key distribution key handling and securing of the system.

Tools

C, C++, CMake, Google Test Suite, Python, Hansible, QEMU, CoAP, Docker, JetBrains, Mercurial, Jenkins, Sonarqube, SQLite

Oct. 2018 - Dec. 2019 SES Logo

emergency.lu VoIP

SES, Luxembourg

Description

emergency.lu is a platform created to re-establish communications following man-made or natural disasters to support the coordination efforts of humanitarian organisations in the field.

My role

Develop and validate a Voice over IP service to enable volunteers to communicate, using either provided SIP phones or their own mobile phones with an emergency.lu client installed, over a satellite link or locally if the link is not available.

Tools

Objective C, xCode, Mercurial, Jenkins, VoIP, Android, iPhone, Postman, JetBrains, Freeswitch, OpenBTS 2G

Feb. 2018 - Aug. 2018 SES Logo

RoadSide Unit Development (Python, Raspberry Pi)

SES, Luxembourg

Description

The Roadside Unit project was an SES internal project to look into technologies to exchange information between vehicles/sensor networks and cloud services relying on satellite communication.

My role

Designer, developer, architect, tester

Tools

Python, Raspberry Pi, LoRa, MQTT, Thingspeak Cloud, HTML/CSS/js

May 2017 - Jul. 2017 CGI Logo

Connected Barbecue Development (Python)

CGI Lyon Area, France

Description

The project was to create a connected barbecue controllable with an application on our phone. This device was to be exposed on a showroom at Lyon among many others, to expose all the knowledge and skills present in CGI Supply Chain. Thus, the objective was to create something as reliable as possible able to communicate via the Internet.

My role

Designer, developer, architect, tester

Tools

Python, Raspberry Pi, Azure Cloud, Bluetooth

Sep. 2017 - Jan. 2018 Ensimag Logo

Operating System Development (C, x86)

INP-Ensimag, Luxembourg

Description

Built a minimalist 32-bit OS with memory management, scheduling, and interrupt handling

My role

Designer, developer, architect, tester

Tools

C, ASM x86, Bash, Git

Sep. 2017 - Jan. 2018 Ensimag Logo

Compiler Development (Java + x86/ARM)

INP-Ensimag, Luxembourg

Description

Implemented compiler for OO language subset, generating x86 assembly with partial ARM support; applied formal software engineering & testing practices

My role

Designer, developer, architect, tester

Tools

Java, ASM x86, ASM ARM, Git

Sep. 2017 - Jan. 2018 Ensimag Logo

Real-Time Systems (C/C++)

INP-Ensimag, Luxembourg

Description

Modeled and implemented real-time scheduling and concurrent tasks with Lego Mindstorms. The goal was for a Lego Mindstorm robot to follow a black line on a white track and can avoid obstacles (U-turn).

My role

Designer, developer, architect, tester

Tools

Lego Mindstorms, C, C++, Bash, LaTeX, MatLab Simulink, Git

Sep. 2017 - Jan. 2018 Ensimag Logo

3D Depth Extraction (C++, MATLAB)

INP-Ensimag, Luxembourg

Description

Implemented mono-camera image processing algorithm for real-time depth sensing based on THIS article.

My role

Designer, developer, architect, tester

Tools

C/C++, Matlab, Zybo, VHDL, Git, LaTeX, Catapult

Education

Sep 2017- Feb 2018 Grenoble INP Ensimag

Master of Engineering in Embedded software and systems

Grenoble INP - Ensimag, Grenoble, France

Specialization taught with Grenoble INP - Phelma. Focused on programming, systems and networks administration, security and embedded systems.

Sep 2016 - Jun 2017 Grenoble INP Phelma

Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Electronics and Telecommunications

Grenoble INP - Phelma, Grenoble, France

Entered following CPGE as my top-choice engineering school. Specialized in electronics, computer science, and signal processing, with a strong foundation in materials science, quantum physics, and applied mathematics through the common core curriculum.

Sep 2013 - Jul 2015 Lycée Henri Poincaré

CPGE - "Classes préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles" in Physics & Chemistry

Lycée Henri Poincaré, Nancy, France

A highly selective and intensive preparatory program focused on Physics and Chemistry, designed to prepare students for the competitive entrance exams to top French engineering schools. The curriculum also included advanced Mathematics, English, and Literature.

Sep 2013 - Jul 2015 Lycée Gerville Réache

Baccalauréat (A levels)

Lycée Gerville Réache, Guadeloupe, France

French A level certificate with physics & chemistry specialization obtained with honor.

Skills

Languages

  • French: Native
  • English: C1 (Bulats: 89/100)
  • Spanish: A2 - B1

Programming Languages

  • Procedural: C/C++
  • Object Oriented: C++, Python, Java
  • Scripting: Python, Bash
  • Database: SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL
  • VSC: Gitlab, GitHub, Mercurial

Systems

  • Embedded Linux: Yocto, ELinOS
  • RTOS: PikeOS, Basic Free RTOS
  • OS internals: Memory management, Concurrency,interrupts
  • Linux: Ubuntu, CentOS
  • Hardware: Teledyne, NXP, Raspberry Pi, DELL, Zybo

Domains

  • Data Integrity
  • Key management systems
  • Quantum Key Distribution
  • Secure communications

Tools

  • VSC: Git, Mercurial, GitHub, Gitlab
  • IDE: Visual Studio Code, JetBrains tools, Eclipse
  • CI/CD: Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins
  • Static code Analysis: SonarQube

Protocol

  • LoRa
  • MQTT
  • TCP/IP
  • Bluetooth

Cloud

  • Azure
  • AWS

Project Management

  • Agile development
  • SCRUM
  • Kanban
  • Azure DevOps
  • Jira
  • Redmine

API

  • REST
  • OpenAPI/Swagger
  • GRPC
  • Protobuf

Data Management

  • SQL
  • MongoDB
  • PostgreSQL
  • Redis
  • MySQL
  • MariaDB
  • SQLite

Patents

Pending

Grenoble INP Ensimag

Method and System for Key Distribution to a Plurality of Destination Nodes in a Communication System

Key distribution mechanism 1:N. In a Quantum Key Distribution network, this mechanism uses key combinatory logic to distribute a cryptographic Key, produced at one source node, to multiple destination nodes with a transmission protected from Quantum computer attacks. Therefore 1 Key gets distributed safely to N destination peers, which could open the door to meshed quantum safe communication applications.

Pending

Grenoble INP Ensimag

Methods and systems for satellite-based quantum key distribution

This invention enables seamless Quantum Key Distribution continuity across a satellite fleet, using a dynamic handover mechanism—conceptually similar to terrestrial mobile networks but reversed: the receiver (Ground Terminal) is fixed, while the transmitter (QKD satellite) is mobile.

Pending

Grenoble INP Ensimag

Methods for bootstrapping a node in a quantum key distribution network (QKD), and corresponding QKD network and nodes thereof

Satellite based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) allows to establish symmetric cryptographic keys shared between two Nodes in a global network in a highly secure manner. QKD makes use of quantum physics for its secure implementation and is underpinned by a mathematical security proof that does not rely for its security on the limitations of an adversary's capabilities as is the case for classical key establishment methods. QKD can therefore render a customer’s crypto operations impervious to attacks employing quantum computing to which classical key establishment methods are vulnerable.
Prior to the first QKD session between a newly implemented Node and the Satellite, the Node needs to be bootstrapped to the Satellite and to the network as such. The invention covers an innovative method for securely implementing and executing this bootstrapping process enabling a new Customer to start receiving the QKD service.

Pending

Grenoble INP Ensimag

Methods for distributing symmetric keys and controlling use thereof

This invention pertains to key management, with a particular focus on keys generated through quantum key distribution (QKD). It introduces a robust, decentralized solution for synchronizing keys between different QKD nodes, ensuring that keys are not inadvertently used for different applications or communication directions on either side.
Users benefit from reliable and secure key synchronization as an integral part of the QKD service, enhancing overall trust and efficiency in quantum-secured communications.

Pending

Grenoble INP Ensimag

Methods for establishing secure communication between two nodes

The invention is regarding satellite based QKD. It provides an efficient and secure way to share keys and establish trust between two QKD ground terminals. It makes the process faster for the user and reduces the efforts on the operator side at the same time.