Senior Powertrain 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.

About The Team

Our team is responsible for designing, optimizing, and validating high‑performance electric propulsion systems for cutting‑edge autonomous defence platforms. We combine multi‑physics modeling, simulation automation, and rigorous empirical test correlation to build state‑of‑the‑art power delivery architecture. As a Powertrain Simulation Engineer, you will work closely with hardware test, firmware, and systems engineering teams to bring next‑generation flight platforms from concept to reality.

YOUR MISSION

As a Powertrain Simulation Engineer, you will be the driving force behind predicting, optimizing, and validating the performance of our electric Powertrain Systems (propulsion, inverter, battery and cells). You will manage the development and execution of complex 1D multi‑physics models to simulate aggressive flight profiles and powertrain behaviours. You will build simulation pipelines, automate data analysis, and conduct virtual testing to guide architectural decisions and validate system capabilities before physical hardware is built.

What You Will Do At Stark

• Design, build, and maintain high‑fidelity 1D models of the complete electric powertrain (including batteries, inverters, electric motors, and thermal management systems) using industry‑standard tools.
• Execute standard and custom simulation profiles—including high‑power continuous discharge (simulating hover/climb), dynamic pulse loading, and extreme temperature conditions—to evaluate system‑level performance and efficiency.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to optimize powertrain component sizing, gear ratios, voltage levels, and thermal cooling strategies to maximize range and payload.
• Work closely with the hardware test engineering team (e.g., Dyno and Battery Lab) to correlate 1D simulation results with empirical test data, continuously improving model accuracy and reliability.
• Provide high‑fidelity plant models to the firmware and systems teams to support the development of control algorithms and Software/Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL/HIL) testing.
• Develop scripts to automate the execution of complex simulation matrices, post‑processing of results, and generation of performance reports.

What You Bring To The Mission

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in a simulation, modeling, or systems engineering role, specifically focused on electric powertrains, thermal systems, or battery performance.
• Extensive experience with 1D multi‑physics simulation software (e.g., GT‑SUITE, Siemens Amesim, MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape, or Dymola/Modelica).
• Strong understanding of electric powertrain fundamentals, including thermodynamics, heat transfer, electrochemistry, and electric motor dynamics.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and simulation automation, alongside proven ability to interpret physical test data into mathematical models.

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience modeling hardware for aerospace, drones, or eVTOL applications, with knowledge of flight physics and high‑power mission profiles.
• Familiarity with 3D CFD/FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Star‑CCM+) and extracting data from them to inform 1D system models.
• Experience taking a powertrain component from concept to flight test.

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.