Product Owner - AI & Automation

About Us

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—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or equivalent practical experience in technical product management or consulting.
• 3+ years of experience delivering complex technical products, MVPs, or Proof of Concepts from concept to deployment.
• Experience working closely with both engineering teams and commercial or Go-to-Market stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in defense, robotics, aerospace, or a similarly complex hardware‑adjacent technology sector is a plus.
• Familiarity with defense procurement processes or NATO environments is a plus.
• German language skills at C1 level or higher are a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% within Germany and internationally.

Eligible to obtain the required security clearance due to the nature of the work.

Your mission

Own the early‑stage ideation, proof of concepts (PoCs), and client demonstrators for our core products. Translate complex defense needs into tangible product experiences that showcase the capabilities of AI and autonomous systems. Acting at the intersection of engineering, strategy, and customer engagement, you will work closely with Go‑to‑Market teams, industry partners, and product development to demonstrate the “art of the possible” and build trust with clients through compelling, real‑world prototypes.

If you are high‑agency, driven, and creative product person who thrives on turning ambiguous operational challenges into working prototypes and compelling client demonstrations, this is your command center.

Responsibilities

• Own early‑stage product ideation by identifying emerging operational needs and conceptualizing innovative solutions for next‑generation capabilities.
• Design, manage, and deliver high‑impact Proof of Concepts and client demonstrators that clearly showcase the value, performance, and scalability of our systems.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to translate ambiguous operational challenges into concrete prototype requirements and working solutions.
• Act as the bridge between engineering, Go‑to‑Market teams, and external partners to align technical feasibility with client objectives.
• Lead or support client engagements by demonstrating working software and hardware prototypes that solve real operational challenges.
• Drive the rapid development of demonstrators that balance speed‑to‑deployment with meaningful functionality.
• Help shape the early‑stage product roadmap by capturing insights from customer interactions, demonstrations, and prototype deployments.