Senior Embedded Software Engineer (All Genders)

STARK

ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising 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. ABOUT THE TEAM Minerva is STARK's command and control software — the brain that connects operators to autonomous systems across multiple domains in real time. The Minerva team is a small, senior software group based across the UK, Germany, Greece & Ukraine working directly with our systems and hardware teams to build mission-critical C2 capabilities deployed in active operational environments. We move fast, ship real software, and operate under constraints most engineers never encounter — low-bandwidth networks, air-gapped devices, and high-stakes decision loops. There is no room for abstraction for its own sake. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field. YOUR MISSION This role demands more than standard simulation engineering. Working in defence technology means operating close to the realities of modern conflict and building simulation environments that must reliably support development, validation, and mission preparation in demanding conditions. As a Simulation Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain high-fidelity Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) test rigs that help validate our autonomous marine vessels (USVs) and unmanned platforms before real-world sea trials. In addition, you will support our Mission Simulation team to incorporate Maritime environments into tactical mission training environments. RESPONSIBILITIES * HiL/SiL Test Rig Development: Architect, build, and maintain high-quality Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) test setups for validating embedded marine autopilots, autonomy software, and robotic platforms. * Physics & Vessel Modeling: Develop and integrate physics-based models for vehicle/vessel dynamics (hydrodynamics, wave forces, thruster/propulsion mechanics, and wind effects) and sensor physics (GPS, IMU, LiDAR, Sonar, Radar, Cameras). * Autonomy Stack Integration: Connect and coordinate simulators with ROS2-based autonomy stacks, MAVLink/MAVSDK middlewares, and edge software interfaces. * Synthetic Scenarios: Create realistic virtual environments simulating GPS-denied navigation, degraded weather, and signal jamming to stress-test control algorithms. * Verification & Analysis: Conduct debugging, verification, and performance analysis between simulators and live hardware interfaces, correlating simulation fidelity with actual sea-trial logs. * Documentation: Produce structured technical documentation, design drawings, test plans, and HIL wiring/schematic reports. * Mission Simulation Support: Support in scripting realistic training scenarios and mission simulations QUALIFICATIONS * Experience modeling marine vessel physics (propulsion, hydrodynamics, hull drag). * Strong programming proficiency in C/C++ and Python. * Strong experience building dynamic models in Simulink or equivalent * Solid understanding of fluid dynamics, physics, classical mechanics, rigid-body dynamics, control theory, or system dynamics. * Hands-on experience building and maintaining HIL test benches (cabling, signal conditioning, target computer setup, and instrumentation). * Experience configuring, customizing, and running Software-in-Loop and Hardware-in-Loop testing, preferably with PX4 flight/vehicle stacks. * Experience integrating simulation frameworks with ROS2-based middleware. * Strong debugging, validation, and analytical problem-solving skills. * Comfortable working in Linux-based software development environments.. STARK Defence UK has achieved the ERS - The Defence Employer Recognition Bronze award  2026 Talent Contact: Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner, via talent@stark-defence.com NICE TO HAVE * A university degree in Control Systems, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science. * Experience with Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS4), Unreal Engine or similar defense simulation suites. * Experience with NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Isaac Lab, or Gazebo. * Experience modeling electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), IMU, GNSS, barometer, LiDAR, radar, or camera sensors.

STARK

ABOUT US STARK is a European defence technology company founded in 2023, specialising in the development and production of advanced UAV and USV systems for modern military operations. Our flagship platform, Virtus, is a next-generation VTOL loitering munition system, and we are rapidly expanding our software and autonomy capabilities to deploy Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for maritime surveillance and security. 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. ABOUT THE TEAM Minerva is STARK's command and control software — the brain that connects operators to autonomous systems across multiple domains in real time. The Minerva team is a small, senior software group based across the UK, Germany, Greece & Ukraine working directly with our systems and hardware teams to build mission-critical C2 capabilities deployed in active operational environments. We move fast, ship real software, and operate under constraints most engineers never encounter — low-bandwidth networks, air-gapped devices, and high-stakes decision loops. There is no room for abstraction for its own sake. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field. YOUR MISSION We are seeking a highly skilled QA Engineer to take ownership of system-level and integration testing for our maritime autonomy platforms and prototype boats. You will bridge the gap between pure software quality assurance and hardware/software integration, working hands-on with hardware, software, and communication interfaces—both in the laboratory and out in the field on prototype vessels. RESPONSIBILITIES * Test Strategy & Execution: Develop and maintain test plans, scripts, integration procedures, and safety checklists for embedded marine solutions. * Diagnostics & Defect Localization: Perform hardware/software diagnostics, defect localization, and root-cause analysis on physical prototype boats. * System Integration Testing: Validate how pure software components interface and integrate with marine autopilots, thrusters, steering systems, and payload hardware. * Interface Protocols: Test and verify communication interfaces and protocols (MAVLink, RS485, TCP/IP, RTSP video streaming) as part of diagnostics and system verification. * Marine Safety Validation: Verify critical safety-critical fail-safe mechanisms including remote emergency shutdowns, geolocation geofencing, and offline update/recovery systems. * Loop Testing Support: Help setup, maintain, and run tests in Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) test environments. * Collaboration: Interact closely with software development, systems, and field flight/marine testing teams to log, track, and eliminate errors in a timely manner. * Documentation: Prepare clear testing reports, bug reports, and product stability/safety reviews in Jira and Confluence. QUALIFICATIONS * Minimum of 3+ years of experience in hardware testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, or embedded systems QA. * Strong understanding of software testing theory (functional, integration, system, regression) combined with hands-on hardware troubleshooting. * Experience working with embedded communication protocols (MAVLink, CAN, RS485, etc.). * Strong knowledge of Linux systems and experience writing test scripts in Bash and/or Python. * Familiarity with test management tools (Jira, Confluence) and version control (Git). * Basic understanding of electronics, multimeters, and laboratory diagnostics equipment. * Ability to write clear, structured test documentation and reports in English. * Willingness and ability to work on physical boats during harbor/sea trials and in field-testing environments. STARK Defence UK has achieved the ERS - The Defence Employer Recognition Bronze award  2026 Talent Contact: Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner, via talent@stark-defence.com NICE TO HAVE * Prior experience in marine robotics, maritime autopilots, USVs, UAVs, or marine electronics. * A valid marine boating license or experience with outdoor maritime testing operations.

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. ABOUT THE TEAM Minerva is STARK's command and control software — the brain that connects operators to autonomous systems across multiple domains in real time. The Minerva team is a small, senior software group based in Berlin and Munich, working directly with our systems and hardware teams to build mission-critical C2 capabilities deployed in active operational environments. We move fast, ship real software, and operate under constraints most engineers never encounter — low-bandwidth networks, air-gapped devices, and high-stakes decision loops. There is no room for abstraction for its own sake. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field. YOUR MISSION To drive mission success by ensuring our R&D teams can stay focused on innovation, we are seeking a Technical Project Manager with a focus on Maritime Autonomy. Reporting to the Head of Technical Project Management, you will be the tactical engine room for our marine programs. Your initial priority will be managing our maritime autonomy initiatives to ensure we build, test, and certify our unmanned surface vessel (USV) capabilities on time and on budget. Specifically, you will take absolute ownership for the delivery of certification, regulatory compliance cycle, and maritime safety standards for autonomous marine systems. RESPONSIBILITIES * Maritime Project Execution: Manage the lifecycle of maritime autonomy R&D projects, coordinating cross-functional efforts across software developers, embedded hardware teams, control systems, and Sea trials engineers across the UK & Germany. * Autonomy Certification: Take ownership of the compliance and certification cycle within delivery for autonomous marine systems, coordinating with our Compliance Manager to align delivery with classification and national maritime regulatory bodies. * Hardware/Software Integration: Lead project planning to synchronize software releases with physical construction & integrations on prototype vessels. * Schedule & Risk Management: Establish detailed timelines, work breakdown structures, milestones, resource allocation profiles, and risk-mitigation strategies to deliver features on target. * Stakeholder Visibility: Implement dashboards and reporting systems using Jira/Confluence to provide leadership with visibility into project velocity, roadblocks, and delivery status. QUALIFICATIONS * Minimum of 5+ years of experience in technical project management, systems engineering, or project leadership. * Demonstrated experience in deep-tech, defense, aerospace, marine engineering, or high-growth hardware-software integration environments. * Proven track record of managing projects under rigorous safety-critical certification and compliance standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508, DO-178C, or maritime classification society rules) following the V&V delivery model. * High proficiency in modern project management platforms, specifically Jira, Confluence, and advanced planning tools. * Crisp, structured communication style with the ability to distill complex technical constraints into clear plans and executive summaries. * Urgency-driven, execution-focused mindset with a strong sense of personal ownership. STARK Defence UK has achieved the ERS - The Defence Employer Recognition Bronze award  2026 Talent Contact: Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner, via talent@stark-defence.com NICE TO HAVE * Prior experience in marine/aerospace engineering, military operations, or defense contracting. * Knowledge of maritime regulations (COLREGs, SOLAS), and related technologies such as AIS tracking systems * Familiarity with autonomous vehicle stacks (UxV), autopilot ecosystems, or robotic control loop development.