Program Director - Hardware Systems

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.

Permanent employee, Full‑time

Location: Munich area

Your Mission

As a Program Manager at STARK, you will lead one of our core hardware programs from early R&D to production readiness. You’ll translate ambitious technical concepts into operational products, build the team that delivers them, and work hand‑in‑hand with a dedicated Chief Engineer to shape vision, align priorities, and drive execution across engineering, production, and business functions. A key part of your mission will be to build and scale a world‑class engineering team, recruiting top talent, defining structure, and fostering a high‑performance culture that moves fast, collaborates openly, and delivers.

Responsibilities

• Own the delivery of a major hardware program from R&D to go‑to‑market verification to production readiness.
• Build, structure, and grow a high‑performing multidisciplinary team. Recruit top engineering talent and create an environment where they can deliver their best work.
• Co‑lead the program with the Chief Engineer, pairing technical direction with decisive program leadership.
• Translate strategic goals into clear milestones, deliverables, and resource plans.
• Drive focus on what matters most, keeping teams aligned, proactive, and moving fast.
• Connect the dots across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and business functions to maintain alignment and momentum.
• Work closely with the VP of Programs to ensure key programs receive the focus and resources needed to deliver cutting‑edge technology to customers at record speed.
• Set high standards, communicate clearly, and keep teams motivated and accountable even in demanding phases.
• Deliver concise, transparent updates on progress, risks, and key decisions to leadership.
• Implement pragmatic governance and scalable processes that enable speed without bureaucracy.

First 12 Months

• Month 0–1: Learn & Align – Deeply understand the product, its technical foundation, and organizational landscape. Build a strong partnership with your Chief Engineer and align with the VP of Programs on strategic priorities.
• Month 1–3: Build the Team & the Plan – Define the execution roadmap and the team needed to achieve it. Hire key roles, clarify responsibilities, and establish clear processes and communication channels.
• Month 3–6: Drive Execution – Lead the newly formed team through key development phases. Ensure clarity of priorities, proactive risk management, and strong coordination across shared functions.
• Month 6–12: Scale & Mature – Strengthen the team’s capabilities and independence. Build production readiness, refine delivery frameworks, and grow emerging leaders within the program.
• By the end of your first year, you will have built a capable, high‑performing team delivering real progress toward production readiness with clear structure, focus, and results.

Qualifications

• Experience: 4–10 years in program or project management, ideally in hardware, aerospace, robotics, or defense. Proven experience leading complex technical programs and growing teams.
• Background: Technical or technically literate background (e.g., engineering, industrial engineering, or technical management). You don’t need to design systems yourself, but you must understand how engineers think and work.
• Leadership: Proven ability to build and lead high‑performing teams. You attract talent, set structure, and keep people aligned through clarity and purpose.
• Mindset: Mission‑driven, decisive, and pragmatic. You thrive in ambiguity and bring structure to complexity. You seek feedback, learn fast, and raise your own bar continuously.
• Communication: Clear, direct communicator with strong written and verbal skills in English and German.
• Execution: Strong bias for action: you get things done, stay close to the details, and drive accountability.
• Tools: Comfortable with modern program tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Excel, and PMO systems).

Why STARK

• Build and lead one of Europe’s most advanced hardware programs from early R&D to production.
• Work directly with top engineering and program leaders, shaping both product and organization.
• Create and grow a world‑class team.
• Be part of a mission that truly matters, strengthening Europe’s technological and defense edge.

Legal Disclaimer

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. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.