
STARK · Stockholm
ABOUT US STARK is a defense technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufact...
STARK is a defense technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design,
develop and manufacture high performance unmanned vehicles that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective – giving
NATO and its allies a decisive edge in the most 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 a UAV Technician, you will be the technical backbone of our flight test operations in the Nordics, specifically driving the
development of the Virtus product line. Your mission is to ensure our platforms can withstand extreme cold and operate flawlessly.
In addition, working in the Nordics will include utilizing systems adapted for Arctic climate.
Preferably you have built FPV copters, deeply understand UAV architectures, and can troubleshoot complex avionics on the fly.
You will face unpredictable challenges in harsh environments and solve them with a highly skilled team. You will be responsible
for diagnosing issues, fine-tuning heating element settings, replacing components on the spot, and providing critical, documented
feedback to the engineering team in Germany.
This is a highly versatile role. While your primary focus is technical troubleshooting and UAV maintenance, you will have the
opportunity to expand your scope into other areas. Your work directly ensures that our systems are rugged, reliable, and ready for
our Nordic customers.
UAV Assembly, Integration & Troubleshooting
Flight Line & Technical Support
and electrical rework if it is needed)
charging systems, preparing airframes for test, and verifying ground support equipment readiness.
anomaly tracking.
SORA/EASA site safety requirements.
Flight Test Operations & Engineering Interface
analysis.
Your First 12 Months
Timeframe Focus
Month 0–1: Learn & Align
Understand the Virtus system architecture, engineering workflows, and cold-weather modifications. Get hands-on with our avionics
stack, anti-icing systems, and telemetry setups. Familiarize yourself with our specific ArduPilot/PX4 configurations.
Month 1–3: Deploy & Troubleshoot
Deploy to the Nordics and spend much time at test sites. Support the initial arctic test campaigns. Focus heavily on
troubleshooting heating elements, replacing components in the field, and establishing a robust feedback loop with the Engineering
team and suppliers.
Month 3–6: Analyze & Optimize
Take ownership of flight test data organization. Analyze flight logs using Mission Planner/QGroundControl to identify performance
degradation in cold weather. Begin cross-training as a GCS Operator or Safety Pilot, depending on your background.
Month 6–12: Scale & Mature
Establish a repeatable, reliable field-testing workflow for the arctic product line. Serve as the definitive technical authority
on site. Fully integrate into Flight Test Engineering or Piloting roles to run autonomous missions from end to end.
Experience & Technical Background
Mindset & Working Style
Location: Stockholm and Norway (Flight Test Site) with close ties to the Munich (Germany) Area HQ.
stabilization).
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 FLIGHT OPERATIONS & EXECUTION * Conduct remote piloting of unmanned aircraft during development and validation campaigns, often in stabilisation modes of fixed-wing and multirotor UAV configuration to test the raw flight envelope. * Execute flight tests with 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 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. QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS * Valid EU A1/A3 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 at the 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.
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 Pilot / GCS Operator, your mission is to be the final gatekeeper of quality and safety. Working alongside Flight Test Engineers, you will lead the execution and reporting of production flight tests. Your role is to ensure that every system leaving our facility meets our rigorous performance standards and design specifications. You will spend your days at the intersection of production and operations, monitoring live telemetry, validating autonomous behaviors, and providing the engineering team with the data they need to iterate. You aren't just operating a drone; you are certifying a capability that will be deployed in the world's most demanding environments. 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. 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.
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 You will develop and integrate embedded and backend software that runs on our unmanned systems. The work ranges from implementing ROS2 components to supporting hardware bring-up and testing. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develop embedded/back-end software modules for UAV systems * Implement ROS2 nodes, interfaces, and integration logic * Work on embedded Linux platforms and support hardware bring-up * Debug issues across software, firmware, and hardware boundaries * Support system testing and validation with hardware-in-the-loop in real life * Collaborate with Autonomy, Flight Controls, and Hardware teams * Contribute to clean, reliable code and clear documentation QUALIFICATIONS * Experience in C++ development for embedded or robotics systems * Solid background in ROS2 (nodes, topics, services, DDS) * Familiarity with Linux-based development * Understanding of sensors, communication protocols, and integration challenges * Experience with robotics, UAVs, or other mission-critical systems is an advantage * Hands-on mindset; comfortable testing on actual hardware * Nice to have experience of Computer Vision, Sensor Processing and NVIDIA Jetson * Excellent communication and stakeholder management experience * Native/ Full professional proficiency Swedish or Norwegian language skills are a must have * You must be eligible for Swedish security clearance (Säkerhetsprövning) and be willing to travel to Germany and other European locations when needed.