Lead Flight Test Engineer (all genders)

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company, revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.

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

• Serve as the primary technical authority for the Flight Test Engineering pillar across the Field Engineering, Back-Office Engineering, and Data Analyst sub-tracks
• Own and drive the test planning methodology, including Test Cards, Instrumentation Plans, Telemetry Stack, and Post-Flight Data Reviews
• Lead and oversee FRR (Flight Readiness Review) and TRR (Test Readiness Review) processes, as well as the engineering compliance evidence pipeline for DOA activities
• Act as the Flight Director equivalent (following the Airbus operational model) during major test campaigns
• Serve as the key engineering interface to the GNC, Autonomy, and Avionics teams
• Lead the Flight Test Engineering career pathway, including talent selection, mentoring, development, and promotion processes

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Aerospace Engineering experience
• 5+ years of Flight Test experience
• 2+ years of leadership or team management experience
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering
• Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of a flight test campaign, from test planning through certification evidence delivery
• German language proficiency at C1 level or higher
• English language proficiency at C1 level or higher

Nice to have

• PhD in Flight Dynamics, Control Systems, or Autonomy
• Experience with loitering munitions or live-warhead flight test campaigns
• Working knowledge of STANAG 4671
• Familiarity with PX4 and/or ArduPilot codebases