Ground Control Station Technician - Silvus

STARK

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 Flight Test Engineer, you are the "Conductor of the Flight Line." Depending on your seniority, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our flight test campaigns, from initial planning and hazard assessment to execution and deep-dive data analysis. Beyond the technical data, you serve as the primary Onsite Leader. You are the person who ensures testing priorities are crystal clear to everyone on the range. You manage the daily tempo, coordinate the crew, and ensure that every person, from pilots to software engineers, knows exactly which tests are being conducted and when. Your mission is to transform raw flight data into actionable insights while maintaining a high-tempo, disciplined, and safe testing environment. RESPONSIBILITIES ONSITE TEST COORDINATION & LEADERSHIP * Act as the Onsite Test Coordinator: Lead daily operations on the range, ensuring the team stays focused on the primary test objectives. * Clarify Priorities: Maintain and communicate the "Daily Flight Schedule," ensuring everyone knows the sequence of events and current testing priorities. * Lead Briefings: Drive the morning "Pre-Flight Brief" and the evening "Debrief," capturing critical feedback and setting goals for the following day. * Resource Management: Coordinate the availability of airframes, ground support equipment, and personnel to maximize range time efficiency. FLIGHT EXECUTION & SAFETY * Coordinate and execute UAV flight tests in compliance with regulatory requirements and STARK safety standards. * Ensure all flight activities and anomalies are documented with high fidelity. * Develop specific Flight Test Techniques (FTTs) and instrumentation requirements to capture critical performance metrics. * Lead Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR) and contribute to safety review boards. TEST DESIGN & DATA ANALYSIS * Develop comprehensive flight test plans, test cards, and rigorous flight test hazard assessments (FTHA). * Process and analyze flight data using MATLAB or Python to validate system performance against requirements. * Work closely with Ardupilot and PX4-based flight control systems to iterate on flight behavior and performance. * Manage the configuration of flight test articles, ensuring all hardware and software versions are meticulously tracked. YOUR FIRST 12 MONTHS TIMEFRAME FOCUS MONTH 0–1: INTEGRATION DEEP DIVE INTO STARK UAV ARCHITECTURES AND SAFETY MANUALS. SHADOW CURRENT FLIGHT TESTS TO LEARN OUR OPERATIONAL TEMPO AND COORDINATION STYLE. MONTH 1–3: OPERATIONAL LEAD BEGIN ACTING AS THE PRIMARY ONSITE COORDINATOR FOR PRODUCTION TESTS. TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE DAILY FLIGHT SCHEDULE AND ENSURE HIGH-FIDELITY LOGGING OF ALL SORTIES. MONTH 3–6: OPTIMIZATION LEAD COMPLEX EXPERIMENTAL CAMPAIGNS. REFINE OUR ONSITE COMMUNICATION TOOLS TO ENSURE 100% CLARITY ON TEST PRIORITIES ACROSS THE ENGINEERING TEAM. MONTH 6–12: LEADERSHIP ACT AS TEST DIRECTOR FOR MULTI-ASSET CAMPAIGNS. MENTOR JUNIOR ENGINEERS AND PILOTS ON STRUCTURED TEST EXECUTION, RANGE MANAGEMENT, AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATIONAL & LEGAL BACKGROUND * Degree: Bachelor’s or higher in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering. * NATO Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations). * Communication: Professional-level written and verbal English. TECHNICAL & LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT * Coordination Skills: Proven ability to lead a technical team on-site, manage schedules, and communicate priorities clearly under pressure. * Data Mastery: Practical experience in data reduction and analysis using MATLAB or Python. * UAV Systems: Familiarity with Ground Control Stations (GCS), telemetry systems, and mission planning tools. * Testing Rigor: Proven ability to plan and conduct system-level tests in an aerospace or defense environment. MINDSET & STYLE * The "General" Mindset: You are naturally organized and can work through ambiguity on the flight line. * Analytical & Decisive: You can analyze a data anomaly quickly and decide whether to continue testing. * Meticulous Documenter: You believe that if it wasn't documented with high fidelity, the test never happened. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE * Active experience as an FTE or Test Director in crewed or uncrewed aviation. * Hands-on experience with flight test instrumentation (FTI) and DAQ systems. * Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environments.

STARK

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. YOUR MISSION Serve as the critical interface between internal development and external partners, ensuring seamless project execution through proactive stakeholder management. You will be the orchestrator of mission success, navigating complex operational landscapes to deliver high-performance autonomous systems into the hands of those who need them. You will take full ownership of the customer experience by leading the end-to-end lifecycle of system demonstrations—from strategic preparation and field execution to comprehensive post-event analysis. This is a high-stakes role requiring a unique blend of technical rigor and strategic communication to maintain our technological edge in contested environments. RESPONSIBILITIES Stakeholder Management & Communication * Strategic Interface: Serve as the primary point of contact for international defense stakeholders, navigating complex technical, regulatory, and procurement-related discussions with precision across multi-national projects. * Alignment: Ensure internal engineering teams and external stakeholders are perfectly synchronized on project goals, delivery timelines, and technical requirements. * Reporting: Prepare concise, high-level documentation and updates for executive leadership and external partners to maintain transparency and momentum. Demonstration & Event Management * End-to-End Execution: Own the lifecycle of system demonstrations, from logistical planning and site preparation to on-site field execution and live systems operation. * Field Operations: Lead "boots on the ground" activities, ensuring that STARK technology performs flawlessly in demanding, real-world conditions. * User Engagement: Manage the interface with end-users during demonstrations, providing professional polish while gathering critical technical insights. Project Execution & Timeline Control * Mission Tracking: Drive the execution of the Virtus program using Jira and Confluence, ensuring every milestone is met and potential blockers are cleared proactively. * Operational Readiness: Manage the transition of systems from the warehouse to the field, ensuring all hardware and software components are mission-ready. * Resource Coordination: Allocate internal resources effectively to meet delivery deadlines without compromising on technical quality or safety. Quality Assurance & Feedback Loop * Continuous Improvement: Capture critical user feedback from the field and translate it into actionable engineering requirements to drive rapid product iteration. * Compliance: Ensure all delivery and demonstration activities adhere to the rigorous quality, safety, and security standards of the defence industry. Your First 12 Months Timeframe Focus Month 0–1: Learn & Align Develop a deep understanding of the Virtus system architecture, its technical capabilities, and current development status. Shadow engineering leads and current delivery workflows to understand stakeholder expectations and operational pain points. Month 1–3: Establish Ownership Take lead on external communication with key partners and international authorities. Introduce structure into demonstration planning and start owning the coordination of field operations. Ensure that every stakeholder has a transparent view of the delivery roadmap. Month 3-6: Drive Field Execution Lead the end-to-end execution of high-visibility system demonstrations. Transition from shadow to primary operator, managing on-site logistics, technical validation, and user feedback cycles. Become the primary interface that turns customer needs into engineering direction. Month 6–12: Scale & Optimize Strengthen the delivery framework to support increasing customer demand. Refine the 'demo-to-delivery' operating system to ensure mass-scalable deployment. Influence the long-term Virtus product strategy by providing high-fidelity field data and strategic market insights. QUALIFICATIONS * Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical), Business, or a related field. A background in military technology or aerospace is a significant advantage. * IT Proficiency: Professional experience with Jira and Confluence; expert-level proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office for high-end reporting and communication. * Mindset: Extreme ownership of the system lifecycle, a hands-on "boots-on-the-ground" mentality, and the ability to thrive in lean, fast-paced environments where you build structure from ambiguity. * Languages: German (C2/Native) and English (C1/C2) are mandatory for navigating complex discussions with German authorities and international stakeholders.

STARK

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 Flight Test Pilot, you will be responsible for working with the Flight Test Engineers on planning, executing, and reporting on flight test results for our cutting-edge UAV platforms. You will work closely with our engineering, software, and production teams to validate system performance and contribute to the next generation of autonomous flight technologies. RESPONSIBILITIES PRODUCTION FLIGHT EXECUTION * Conduct remote piloting and GCS operation for production-level unmanned aircraft. * Execute standardized flight test programmes with high repeatability and precision to validate system performance. * Monitor live telemetry and onboard video streams in real-time, ensuring flight conditions remain within the test envelope. * Coordinate with observers and test engineers to maintain safe, efficient operations in a collaborative team environment. SYSTEM PREPARATION & MAINTENANCE * Perform pre-flight configurations, control link verifications, and comprehensive functional system checks. * Assist in the ground verification of flight-critical hardware and software before takeoff. * Maintain rigorous logbook standards and regulatory recordkeeping for every airframe tested. SAFETY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT * Act as the tactical lead for airspace monitoring and deconfliction in accordance with SORA and EASA requirements. * Respond decisively to flight anomalies and emergency situations by following established safety protocols. * Contribute to the evolution of pilot training materials, safety documentation, and operational procedures. YOUR FIRST 12 MONTHS TIMEFRAME FOCUS MONTH 0–1: LEARN & ALIGN COMPLETE STARK FLIGHT SAFETY INDUCTION. GET HANDS-ON WITH OUR GCS SOFTWARE AND INTERNAL PRODUCTION STANDARDS. SHADOW SENIOR PILOTS DURING PRODUCTION RUNS. MONTH 1–3: STANDARD OPERATIONS BEGIN EXECUTING INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION TEST CARDS. MASTER THE PRE-FLIGHT AND POST-FLIGHT DOCUMENTATION WORKFLOW. PROVIDE YOUR FIRST TECHNICAL FEEDBACK ON SYSTEM BEHAVIOR. MONTH 3–6: OPERATIONAL MASTERY OWN THE PRODUCTION FLIGHT SCHEDULE FOR SPECIFIC AIRFRAME BATCHES. SUPPORT BVLOS TEST CAMPAIGNS AND CONTRIBUTE TO RISK ASSESSMENT UPDATES FOR NEW TEST SITES. MONTH 6–12: PATH TO SENIORITY MENTOR JUNIOR GCS OPERATORS. ASSIST IN THE VALIDATION OF NEW AUTOPILOT TUNING (ARDUPILOT/PX4) AND BEGIN THE DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY TOWARD THE TEST PILOT ROLE. QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS * Valid EU A1/A3 and A2 Remote Pilot Certificates (EASA). * Valid radio operator certificate (e.g., BZF) or willingness to obtain one. * Proven experience with professional GCS software, mission planning tools, and telemetry monitoring. * Familiarity with flight safety protocols, particularly under BVLOS conditions. * Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations). TECHNICAL BACKGROUND * High degree of comfort with structured, high-discipline test procedures. * Ability to maintain deep situational awareness during long test sessions. * Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. * Familiarity with regulatory recordkeeping and post-flight documentation. MINDSET & STYLE * Precision-Oriented: You find satisfaction in repeatability and "doing it right every time." * Reliable: You are the person the team trusts to handle a $100k+ asset with care and discipline. * Agile: You can pivot quickly when weather or production schedules shift. BONUS SKILLS * Previous experience as an RPIC for experimental drone testing. * Practical knowledge of Ardupilot or PX4 autopilot systems. * Background in military UAV operations or the defense sector.