Forward Deployed Engineering Lead (all genders)

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 Architect and scale a global supplier quality ecosystem that creates a “zero-defect” gateway between Design and Series Production—building the systems, standards, and automated processes that enable multi-plant growth without increasing manual workload. RESPONSIBILITIES * Design, implement, and continuously improve global supplier quality processes within the QMS, including CAQ deployment and standardized inspection frameworks * Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, evaluation, audits, and ongoing performance monitoring * Own supplier non-conformance management (SCAR/CAPA), root cause analysis, and enforcement of Quality Assurance Agreements (QAA) * Drive APQP, PPAP, and FAIR processes, optimizing inspection resources through risk-based part categorization (Critical vs. Low Risk) * Act as the technical bridge between Engineering and Supply Chain, translating key characteristics and design intent into manufacturable supplier standards * Lead DFMEA and process risk reviews to prevent defects before series production (“Process Defense”) * Conduct on-site supplier audits to resolve systemic process failures and ensure ISO/industry compliance * Standardize global inspection plans to ensure consistent “Pass” criteria and trusted data across plants * Proactively mitigate supply chain risks impacting cost, delivery, and performance while reducing internal inspection effort * Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, environmental, and customer-specific requirements (e.g., REACH, RoHS, NATO, aerospace/defense standards) and mentor junior staff on low-risk validations QUALIFICATIONS * BSc/MSc in Mechatronics, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field * 5+ years’ experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Management, or Supplier Development (aerospace, automotive, or defense preferred) * Proven expertise in supplier lifecycle management (evaluation, onboarding, FAI/PPAP approval, performance monitoring) * Strong hands-on knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and core quality tools (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, CAPA) * Experience conducting supplier audits and working within ISO 9001 (EN9100/VDA 6.3 desirable) * Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving capabilities in complex production environments * Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP QM), MS Office, and quality management software * Fluent English required; German advantageous; strong communication and stakeholder alignment skills If you´re intersted in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We´re looking forward to meeting you!

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 — providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments. We are 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 STARK is building the next generation of counter-UAS capability, and we need an Electrical Engineer who wants to be at the sharp end of that problem. You'll sit within our C-UAS team in Swindon, owning the electrical design and integration of systems that need to work — reliably, in the field, under pressure. This isn't a maintenance role; you'll be shaping hardware that goes into operational environments. RESPONSIBILITIES * Design, develop, and validate electrical systems and subsystems in support of STARK's C-UAS product line. * Own schematic capture, PCB layout review, and electrical architecture documentation from concept through to production release. * Support hardware integration and bring-up, troubleshooting electrical issues across RF, power, and digital domains, including the integration of autonomy companion computers (SBCs), flight controllers, radio links, and high-power electric propulsion systems (EDFs/BLDC motors). * Collaborate closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to resolve cross-discipline design conflicts early. * Define and execute electrical test plans, including EMC/EMI considerations relevant to field-deployed defence systems. * Contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR) and produce clear, accurate technical documentation. * Liaise with suppliers and contract manufacturers on component selection, lead times, and production quality. * Support field trials and customer demonstrations where electrical performance validation is required. QUALIFICATIONS * Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline. * Proven experience (4+ years) in hardware/electrical engineering, ideally in a defence, aerospace, or high-reliability product environment. * Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB design tools (Altium preferred). * Solid understanding of power electronics, signal integrity, and mixed-signal design. * Familiarity with EMC standards and design-for-manufacture principles. NICE TO HAVE * Direct experience with UAS, C-UAS, EW, or RF-heavy systems. * Experience with the electrical integration of seeker payloads (e.g., EO/IR Gimbals) and fuzing mechanisms. * Exposure to STANAG or MIL-SPEC design requirements. * Experience supporting field trials or rapid prototyping in a defence startup or SME context. * Familiarity with DO-254 or similar airborne/defence hardware assurance frameworks. If you're interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We´re looking forward to meeting you!

STARK

ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective, changing how autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. This gives our operators a decisive edge in highly contested environments. As threats rise, STARK is strengthening the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe. YOUR MISSION As Head of Flight Test, you own STARK’s flight test organisation end to end: the pilots and operators who fly the aircraft, the flight test engineers who design the tests and run the instrumentation, the operations managers who deliver production, experimental, and customer-facing campaigns, and the staff responsible for flight test safety and operating permits. You will start in Germany, turning a fast-growing team into a mature flight test capability of roughly 40+ people that can execute operations in multiple locations, with requisite Operator permits (civil and military) as needed for the different classes of loitering munition and drones in STARK’s growing portfolio.  From there you build outward to 2028: a global organisation with local units in the UK, Ukraine, and Greece, each running common STARK processes under its own national authority. You are accountable for how fast STARK tests and how safely it does so. When those two pull against each other, you make the decision and take ownership. RESPONSIBILITIES ORGANISATION & LEADERSHIP * Own the full flight test organisation across four pillars: Pilots & Operators, Flight Test Engineering, Flight Test Operations, and Safety & Compliance. * Hire and develop the pillar leads, and build the career ladders and competency standards that take the German organisation to its ~40+-person target and beyond. * Carry budget, headcount, schedule, and tempo accountability for flight test as a whole. FLIGHT TEST STRATEGY & METHODOLOGY * Define STARK’s flight test strategy across all platforms (Virtus, Cascade, Gambit and the small to large scale effectors that follow). * Own the envelope-expansion and build-up philosophy: how a test point moves from simulation to flying testbed (for example a Twin Otter-class surrogate) to the air vehicle, de-risking at each step. * Own the master Flight Test Operations Manual (FTOM), the test-planning methodology (test cards, Flight and Test Readiness Reviews), and the flight test engineering (FTE) and instrumentation (FTI) standards. * Own the data lifecycle: quality, traceability, and results that stand up as cerification evidence. Flight safety & airworthiness * Hold the independent flight test safety function: Safety Review Boards, hazard analysis, risk acceptance, abort criteria, and emergency response at every test site. * Keep flight test activity inside approved limits (Permit-to-Fly, operational authorisations) and drive STARK toward its LUC and DOA-grade airworthiness posture. * Give safety dissent a hard, codified path to the Accountable Manager that schedule pressure cannot override. CAMPAIGN DELIVERY * Deliver three campaign types through the Operations pillar: production-acceptance flights at volume, developmental flight tests  for engineering, and customer-facing demonstration and qualification  flights. * Stand up a high-throughput production-acceptance regime as delivery contracts convert to volume, and run it as its own discipline, in parallel to the engineering flight tests. * Be responsible for flight operations, from obtaining permits, ensuring team and equipment logistics, and crew resource management  and training across German and international test locations. REGULATORY INTERFACE & THE 2028 BUILD * Act as STARK’s senior flight test interface to LBA, LufABw, BAAINBw / WTD, and EASA in Germany. * Decide which global processes shall apply  (methodology, safety framework, FTE/FTI standards, data tooling, competency standards) and what is owned by local flight test teams  (authority interface, named postholders, operational approvals). * Stand up local flight test organisations in the UK, Ukraine, and Greece that report into the global function and run national procedures on top of the common baseline. * Appoint the accountable safety and airworthiness postholders each national authority requires, for example, the MAA / CFAOS Accountable Manager (Military Flying) in the UK. YOUR FIRST 12 MONTHS Timeframe Focus What this looks like Month 0–2 Assess & take command Complete STARK safety and flight operations induction. Map the current organisation, campaigns, platforms, and authority relationships. Meet the function leads, and identify the immediate gaps in safety, staffing, and process. Take operational ownership of the running campaign calendar. Month 2–4 Set the German baseline Publish the master FTOM and safety framework. Stand up the independent Safety Review Board. Lay out the roadmap to EASA LUC approval. Close the most urgent senior hires. Month 4–8 Build the organisation Fill the pillar-lead and senior roles. Standardise test-planning, instrumentation, and data processes across all three campaign types. Bring production-acceptance up to a volume-ready standard.  Month 8–12 Extend beyond Germany Define the global-versus-local operating model. Stand up the first local flight test organisation (UK or Ukraine) with its named postholders and authority interface. Set the 2027–2028 plan for the remaining countries. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED * 12+ years in flight test, military aviation, or aerospace test and evaluation, including 5+ years leading flight test  teams or organisations. * A track record of building or running a flight test capability, with end-to-end accountability for campaigns from test plan to certification evidence. * Working knowledge of UAV operating permits (EASA  "specific" category, and/or military airworthiness DEMAR / EMAR). * A grounding in flight test engineering, and data analysis. * Business-fluent English (C1+); German at working level for the authority interface, or a credible plan to get there. * NATO member-state citizen, eligible for German security clearance (Ü2/Ü3), and willing to build teams on the ground in the UK, Ukraine, and Greece. PREFERRED * Graduate of a recognised test pilot school (ETPS, EPNER, USNTPS, NTPS) or a flight test engineering long course. * UAS, loitering-munitions, or eVTOL flight test background. * Prior Design Organisation experience and named postholder / Form 4 acceptance. * Experience standing up flight test operations in more than one country. * Working knowledge of STANAG 4586 and STANAG 4671. MINDSET * Safety authority first: You hold the line when the schedule pushes against it, and people trust the call because you have earned it. * Builder by instinct: You have written the processes and stood up the teams before, and you would rather build an organisation than inherit one. * Regulator-credible: Colonels, certification inspectors, and junior technicians all get what they need from you, in the right register. * Comfortable with tempo: STARK tests fast and fails forward on purpose, and you keep that pace without letting safety slip.