Lead Flight Test Engineer (All Genders)

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners  with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

WHY JOIN US

• The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
• You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
• We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

Your Mission

As a Flight Test Engineer & Onsite Test Coordinator, you are the "Conductor of the Flight Line." Depending on your seniority, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our flight test campaigns, from initial planning and hazard assessment to execution and deep-dive data analysis.

Beyond the technical data, you serve as the primary Onsite Leader. You are the person who ensures testing priorities are crystal clear to everyone on the range. You manage the daily tempo, coordinate the crew, and ensure that every person, from pilots to software engineers, knows exactly which tests are being conducted and when. Your mission is to transform raw flight data into actionable insights while maintaining a high-tempo, disciplined, and safe testing environment.

Responsibilities

• Primäre technische Autorität für die FT Engineering Säule über Field Engineering, back-office Engineering und Data Analyst Sub-Tracks hinweg.

• Verantwortung für Test Planning Methodology (Test Cards, Instrumentation Plans, Telemetry Stack, Post-Flight Data Review), FRR und TRR Prozesse sowie die Engineering - Compliance - Evidenz-Pipeline für DOA.

• Agiert als Flight Director Equivalent (Airbus-Modell) auf Hauptkampagnen.

• Verantwortlich für Engineering-Schnittstelle zu GNC, Autonomy und Avionics Teams.

• Führung des Engineering-Karrierepfads inkl. Selektion, Mentoring und Promotion.

Required Skills

• 10+ Jahre Aerospace Engineering; 5+ Jahre Flight Test; 2+ Jahre Teamführung.

• Master-Abschluss (oder Äquivalent) in Luft- und Raumfahrt-, Elektro- oder Control Systems Engineering.

• Demonstrierte End-to-End Verantwortung für eine FT Kampagne von Test Plan bis Zertifizierungs-Evidenz.

• Deutsch C1+; Englisch C1+.

Nice-To-Have

• PhD in Flight Dynamics, Control oder Autonomy.

• Loitering Munitions oder Live-Warhead Kampagnenerfahrung.

• STANAG 4671 Arbeitskenntnisse.

• PX4 / ArduPilot Codebase Vertrautheit.

If you're interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We're looking forward to meeting you!

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.