
STARK · Munich
ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop ...
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.
As Flight Test Operations Coordinator at STARK, you are the person who keeps the machine running at home while the team is in the
field. You make sure equipment is packed and ready before a campaign begins, that travel is sorted before anyone has to ask, and
that the team on-site can focus on flying rather than logistics problems back at base. You are the reliable home-base anchor for
our Flight Test Operations Manager and a critical enabler of every campaign we run.
This is a broad, execution-oriented role that requires someone who is proactive, highly organised, and comfortable switching
between tasks quickly. You will not regularly be deployed to test locations. Your strength is the steady, reliable support you
provide from our home base.
Equipment & Stock Management
available, where it is, and what condition it is in.
despatch.
the Manager informed.
Travel & Logistics
flights, hotels, ground transport, and rental vehicles
team on-site.
Remote Support to the Onsite Team
solutions at pace.
tight deadlines.
facility details, and access arrangements.
Campaign Preparation
vendor coordination, and timeline tracking.
preparedness at all times.
Communications & Coordination
through the gaps.
Operations Manager.
Your First 12 Months
Timeframe Focus What This Looks Like
Month 0–1 Onboard & Orient Complete STARK safety induction and team onboarding. Learn
the equipment inventory, understand the campaign calendar,
and get familiar with travel booking systems and supplier
contacts. Shadow the Flight Test Operations Manager to
understand how campaigns are prepared and what the team
needs from home base.
Month 1–3 Own the Basics Take full ownership of travel bookings and equipment stock
management for active campaigns. Begin building your own
processes and checklists. Handle your first urgent requests
from the onsite team and resolve them independently.
Establish yourself as a reliable and responsive home-base
contact.
Month 3–6 Raise the Bar Proactively identify gaps in campaign preparation and
propose improvements. Formalise stock management processes
and reduce reactive scrambles. Support logistics planning
for multiple campaigns running in parallel or quick
succession.
Month 6–12 Drive Continuous Improvement Own the home-base function end-to-end with minimal
supervision. Contribute to the improvement of campaign
preparation templates and logistics playbooks. Become the
institutional memory for equipment, suppliers, and travel
arrangements across the team.
Required
aviation, or fast-moving operational environment.
interactions.
Preferred
technical environment.
Mindset
it.
needed.
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. 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 the Lead Flight Test Operations Manager at STARK, you are responsible for the successful execution of complex flight test campaigns across multiple platforms and international test ranges. You lead the operational planning and on-site execution of deployments, ensuring that crews, logistics, approvals, and field operations are fully aligned under demanding conditions. You act as the central interface between internal teams, military authorities, customers, and host-nation agencies, while leading Operations Managers, Coordinators, and Field Operations Crews. From inert-flight to live-fire campaigns, you ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations at every stage. RESPONSIBILITIES * Ownership of campaign execution across all platforms (Virtus, OWE-V), including range coordination, NOTAMs, EASA operational approvals, logistics, dangerous goods transportation, and crew planning. * Leadership of the three operational sub-tracks: Operations Managers, Coordinators, and Field Operations Crew. * Primary interface to WTD 61, WTD 91, TDW Range, customer program offices, and host-nation authorities for deployments in Kenya, Ukraine, and Sweden. * Responsibility for the operational transition between inert-flight, static-fire, and end-to-end live-fire campaign phases. QUALIFICATIONS * 8+ years of experience in flight test, military aviation, or aerospace operations, including 3+ years in a leadership role. * Proven responsibility for multi-week field campaigns conducted on military or restricted ranges. * Business-fluent German and English at C1 level or higher. * Project management experience. NICE TO HAVE * Former German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) background. * ADR / IATA DGR certification.
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. 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 UAV Test Pilot at STARK, you are the critical link between digital design and physical reality. Working in lockstep with Flight Test Engineers, you will be responsible for the planning, execution, and reporting of flight tests for experimental, developmental, and modified production systems. Your mission is to push our airframes to their limits to validate performance, ensure compliance with international standards, and prove the safety of our designs. You aren't just "flying drones", you are validating the next generation of autonomous flight technologies that will protect Europe. Whether you are executing high-performance manual maneuvers or monitoring complex BVLOS autonomous missions, your feedback will directly shape the software and hardware of the future. RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES FLIGHT OPERATIONS & EXECUTION * Conduct remote piloting of unmanned aircraft during development and validation campaigns, often in full-manual mode to test the raw flight envelope. * Execute flight tests with surgical precision according to the flight test programme. * Monitor live telemetry and onboard video streams, maintaining total situational awareness of aircraft health and test status. * Coordinate seamlessly with GCS operators, observers, and engineers in a high-pressure team environment. TEST PLANNING & PREPARATION * Contribute operational expertise to test site selection, flight profiles, hazard analysis, and weather constraints. * Prepare UAV systems, including pre-flight configuration, control link verification, and functional system checks. * Assist with the integration and ground verification of flight-critical hardware and software. SAFETY, REGULATORY & DOCUMENTATION * Act as the final authority on safety for each sortie, conducting risk assessments and responding to anomalies or emergency situations. * Maintain airspace deconfliction in accordance with SORA and EASA regulatory requirements. * Participate in briefings/debriefings, providing structured, technical feedback on aircraft behavior. * Support licensing and documentation to build long-term test capabilities across Germany and Europe. YOUR FIRST 12 MONTHS TIMEFRAME FOCUS MONTH 0–1: ONBOARDING MASTER THE STARK TECH STACK. GET FAMILIAR WITH OUR CURRENT AIRFRAMES, GCS SOFTWARE, AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS. COMPLETE LOCAL SITE INDUCTIONS AND SHADOW EXISTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS. MONTH 1–3: INTEGRATION BEGIN EXECUTING STANDARD TEST CARDS. SUPPORT THE ENGINEERING TEAM IN GROUND-TESTING NEW COMPONENTS AND TAKE YOUR FIRST "STICK TIME" WITH EXPERIMENTAL PROTOTYPES. MONTH 3–6: MISSION LEAD LEAD FLIGHT TEST CAMPAIGNS FOR SPECIFIC SUBSYSTEM VALIDATIONS. CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO SORA APPLICATIONS AND EXPAND OUR OPERATIONAL FOOTPRINT IN EUROPE. MONTH 6–12: ADVANCED TESTING EXECUTE COMPLEX BVLOS AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENVELOPES. START TRANSITIONING TOWARD FLIGHT TEST ENGINEERING (FTE) TASKS, INCLUDING DATA ANALYSIS AND TEST DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES. QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS * Valid EU A1/A3 and A2 Remote Pilot Certificates (EASA). * Valid radio operator certificate (e.g., BZF) or the ability to obtain one immediately. * Demonstrable manual piloting skills of high-performance fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs (precision take-offs, landings, and maneuvering in tight spots). * Experience with professional GCS software, mission planning tools, and telemetry monitoring. * Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations). TECHNICAL MINDSET * Familiarity with test operations under BVLOS and experimental conditions. * Skilled in maintaining situational awareness during long, complex multi-aircraft operations. * A problem-solving mindset—you don’t just report a bug; you help the engineers find the "why." * Excellent written and verbal communication in English. MINDSET & STYLE * Disciplined: You follow test cards to the letter but stay agile when a plan changes last minute. * Reliable: High attention to detail with a "safety-first" internal compass. * Startup Ready: You thrive in a fast-paced environment where your role evolves as the company grows. NICE TO HAVE * Previous experience as a Flight Test Engineer or holding a PPL/CPL/ATPL. * Hands-on experience tuning Ardupilot or PX4 autopilot systems. * Background in military UAV operations or defense contracting. WHY STARK * Shape the Future: A unique opportunity to influence the trajectory of autonomous flight tech. * Fast-Paced Growth: Flat hierarchies and a decision-heavy environment —no red tape, just results. * The Best Tools: Access to cutting-edge drone hardware and dedicated test facilities. * Career Path: Development pathway toward Senior Flight Test Engineer or Test Director roles. * Competitive Package: Salary that reflect your value to the mission.
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. 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 Operations Manager at STARK, you will own the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of flight test campaigns. You are the person who takes a test objective, assembles the right people and equipment, deploys to a test range anywhere in Europe, and brings the team home with clean data and no incidents. You will directly manage teams of 6–8 flight test personnel and coordinate up to 20 people on-site, serving as the single operational authority during active campaigns. This is a hands-on leadership role at the intersection of project management, flight operations, and stakeholder coordination. You will work with military ranges, national aviation authorities, and airspace agencies across multiple countries. We need someone who thrives in ambiguity, makes sound decisions under time pressure, and keeps people safe while pushing the pace of testing. RESPONSIBILITIES CAMPAIGN PLANNING & EXECUTION * Plan, prepare, and execute 1–2 week flight test campaigns from initial scoping through post-campaign reporting, including logistics, personnel deployment, and equipment readiness. * Act as the operational lead on-site, making real-time decisions on scheduling, test sequencing, and resource allocation in response to evolving conditions. * Adapt campaign plans dynamically when requirements, weather, airspace, or technical constraints change. * Produce post-campaign reports documenting test outcomes, deviations, lessons learned, and recommendations for future campaigns. TEAM LEADERSHIP & ON-SITE MANAGEMENT * Directly manage a core team of 6–8 flight test personnel during campaign deployment, owning task assignment, daily briefings, and performance oversight. * Serve as the on-site project manager for up to 20 people, coordinating across engineering, software, safety, logistics, and customer or partner personnel. * Foster a disciplined but adaptive team culture where safety standards are non-negotiable and initiative is encouraged. STAKEHOLDER & AUTHORITY COORDINATION * Act as primary point of contact with local and national aviation authorities, military stakeholders, and airspace management agencies for the duration of each flight campaign. * Coordinate range access, airspace reservations, NOTAMs, and communication plans with military test ranges and civil airspace authorities. * Build and maintain working relationships with range safety officers, military liaison personnel, and regulatory counterparts across multiple countries. Your First 12 Months Timeframe Focus What This Looks Like Month 0–1 Onboard & Orient Complete STARK safety induction and flight operations briefing. Shadow the Lead Flight Ops Manager during active campaign planning. Learn all current test platforms, range relationships, and operational procedures. Attend your first test campaign as an observer alongside the existing team. Month 1–3 Own a Campaign Plan and lead your first flight test campaign end-to-end, from logistics preparation through on-site execution and post-campaign reporting. Establish yourself as primary point of contact with range safety officers and local aviation authorities. Begin building your own playbook for campaign planning and execution. Month 3–6 Scale & Standardise Run multiple campaigns in parallel or quick succession across different test locations. Formalise campaign planning templates, checklists, and risk assessment frameworks. Lead coordination with international test ranges and foreign aviation authorities. Begin managing cross-border logistics for campaigns outside Germany. Month 6–12 Lead the Tempo Own the full campaign calendar as STARK’s operational tempo accelerates. Mentor junior team members deploying on campaigns. Represent STARK independently in front of military stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement of campaign operations based on lessons learned across the first year. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED * 3–6 years of experience in flight operations, flight test, military aviation, UAS operations, or operational project management in a technical environment. * Demonstrated experience managing small teams of 4+ people in field or deployed settings, ideally in aviation, defence, or similarly high-stakes operational contexts. * Familiarity with flight operations and flight safety principles, including risk assessment, crew briefings, and emergency procedures. * Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and adapt campaigns under time and resource pressure. Formal PM qualifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum) are a plus. * Excellent communication skills in English (business-fluent required). German is a strong advantage.