Flight Test Engineer (m/f/d)

Overview

Permanent employee, Full-time • Munich

STARK is a defence technology company revolutionizing autonomous systems. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems to bolster the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners in deterrence and defense of Europe.

Your mission

As a Flight Test Engineer, you will plan, execute, and analyze flight tests for our UAV platforms. You will collaborate with engineering, software, and production teams to validate system performance and contribute to the next generation of autonomous flight technologies.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute UAV flight test campaigns in compliance with engineering requirements and safety/operational protocols, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing prior to field campaigns
• Develop flight test plans, test cards, and risk assessments
• Coordinate with production, remote pilots, ground crew, software and systems engineers to ensure test readiness
• Conduct pre- and post-flight briefings, ensuring team understanding of test objectives, flight plan, hazards, constraints, and responsibilities
• Define and track completion of test objectives through clear pass/fail criteria and careful configuration control
• Integrate and troubleshoot avionics, payloads, and communication systems
• Monitor telemetry during flights, working with ArduPilot and PX4-based flight control systems
• Document all flight activities, test results, and anomalies; provide flight data promptly and contribute to post-test reporting to engineering
• Collaborate with software developers and hardware engineers for rapid iterations
• Assist in flight readiness reviews and system certifications
• Ensure compliance with relevant airspace regulations and internal safety standards
• Support root-cause investigations of in-flight anomalies or test failures, contributing to corrective action plans
• Drive improvements to the Flight Test Operations Manual and other process documentation; continuously evolve workflow and safety
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending and implementing innovations to improve products and processes
• Analyze in detail to identify, understand, and solve difficult technical problems
• Challenge requirements to determine value and usefulness

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related field
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for multidisciplinary work
• Experience developing test documentation, including Flight Test Definitions, THAs, Test Cards, and checklists
• Adaptability to a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with drive for innovation
• Ability to travel as needed
• Experience planning and conducting system or flight tests in related industry or projects
• Experience with data processing and analysis using MATLAB and Python
• Familiarity with ground control stations, telemetry systems, and flight planning tools
• Independent problem-solving mindset in a dynamic startup setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and German
• Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations)

Note: This role contains a standard legal disclaimer and equal opportunity statements as required.

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, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.

Application

Apply for this job. We look forward to hearing from you. If you have difficulties uploading your data, please contact our recruiting team.

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