Quality Assurance 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. ABOUT THE TEAM Our procurement team, embedded within the supply chain department, consists of Category Buyers, Non-Production Buyers, and Prototype Buyers. Together, we ensure production continuity by sourcing essential parts, planning supplier orders, managing safety stock, and implementing multi-source strategies, while selecting strategic suppliers to support our continuous ramp-up. We thrive in an agile, high-workload environment, where success requires strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage and prioritize information from various channels. YOUR MISSION As the Teamlead Category Procurement , you will be responsible for the strategic oversight and operational excellence of a dedicated procurement team. Your mission is to lead complex supplier negotiations, implement robust sourcing strategies, and ensure a reliable, cost-efficient supply chain for all mission-critical components, directly supporting the rapid scaling of STARK’s R&D and production efforts for autonomous systems. RESPONSIBILITIES * Team Leadership and Development: Provide disciplinary and technical leadership to the Procurement team, mentoring team members (e.g., Procurement Managers, Buyers) and managing resource allocation to ensure departmental goals are met. * Risk and Supply Assurance: Proactively identify, analyze and mitigate critical supply chain risks, including managing long lead times and obsolescence.  * Drive the rapid identification, verification and implementation of second-source components in close coordination with Engineering to prevent production line stoppages. * Process and Tool Ownership: Oversee the optimization and implementation of digital procurement processes and tools utilizing ERP systems (Oracle NetSuite) for nventory, purchasing and data clean-up * Cross-Functional Interface: Serve as the main point of contact for internal stakeholders (R&D, Production, Quality, Logistics). Facilitate the New Product. * Introduction (NPI) process and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) related to new suppliers or components. * Reporting & Governance: Report directly to the Global Head of Procurement including preparing reports and analyses on supply chain performance and evaluating/implementing supply chain management software and technologies. QUALIFICATIONS * Completed degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable qualification. * Several years of professional experience in strategic procurement, operations or supply chain management, including demonstrated experience in a leadership or team lead role. * Profound knowledge in all areas of the supply chain, from forecasting and material planning to negotiation and troubleshooting of bottlenecks * Exceptional skills in contract negotiation and managing supplier performance in a fast-paced, defense-related environment. * Strong analytical and conceptual skills with a proven ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions. * Structured, independent, and goal-oriented way of working. * Strong teamwork skills and a willingness to take responsibility. NICE TO HAVE * Experience in the defense, aerospace, or high-tech electronics industry is highly valued. * Fluency in both German and English.

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. ABOUT THE TEAM Our procurement team, embedded within the supply chain department, consists of Category Buyers, Non-Production Buyers, and Prototype Buyers. Together, we ensure production continuity by sourcing essential parts, planning supplier orders, managing safety stock, and implementing multi-source strategies, while selecting strategic suppliers to support our continuous ramp-up. We thrive in an agile, high-workload environment, where success requires strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage and prioritize information from various channels. YOUR MISSION As the Team Lead Procurement Indirect Material and Prototypes, you will be responsible for the strategic oversight and operational execution of all non-production goods and R&D prototypes. Your mission is to lead complex supplier negotiations (e.g. R&D contracts), implement dedicated sourcing strategies, find early preventive measures in order to mitigate the risk of creating monopolists, ensure the continuous and compliant supply of indirect materials and critical R&D components, directly supporting STARK’s seamless business operations and rapid development cycle. RESPONSIBILITIES * Team Leadership and Development: Provide disciplinary and technical leadership to the Procurement team, mentoring team members (e.g., Procurement Managers, Non-Production Buyers) and managing resource allocation to ensure departmental goals are met.  * Strategic Sourcing - Indirect and Prototypes: Develop and execute advanced sourcing strategies for all non-production goods (e.g., test equipment, IT, office supplies) and R&D prototype materials. Lead high-stakes negotiations for R&D contracts, pricing, and framework contracts with strategic suppliers. * Operational Procurement Management: Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle for indirect and prototype materials, from identifying and qualifying suppliers to managing purchase requests (PRs) and converting approved requests/Jira tickets into formal Purchase Orders (POs). * Risk and Supply Assurance: Proactively analyze spending patterns and market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and consolidation. Manage and monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality, delivery, and compliance standards for non-production goods and R&D parts. * Process and Tool Ownership: Oversee the optimization and implementation of digital procurement processes and tools, utilizing ERP systems (Oracle NetSuite) for inventory, purchasing, and data clean-up. Ensure effective integration of the Jira ticketing system for internal requests. * Cross-Functional Interface: Serve as the main point of contact for internal stakeholders (R&D, Finance, IT, Logistics). Resolve issues related to orders, delivery delays, discrepancies, or incorrect invoicing. * Reporting & Governance: Report directly to the Global Head of Procurement including preparing reports and analyses on supply chain performance and evaluating/implementing supply chain management software and technologies QUALIFICATIONS * Completed degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable qualification. * Several years of professional experience in strategic procurement or supply chain management, including demonstrated experience in a leadership or team lead role. * Profound knowledge in all areas of the supply chain, from forecasting and material planning to negotiation and troubleshooting of bottlenecks. * Exceptional skills in contract negotiation and managing supplier performance in a fast-paced, defense-related environment. * Strong analytical and conceptual skills with a proven ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions. * Structured, independent, and goal-oriented way of working. * Strong teamwork skills and a willingness to take responsibility. * Experience in the defense, aerospace, or high-tech electronics industry is highly valued. NICE TO HAVE * Experience in the defense, aerospace, or high-tech electronics industry is highly valued. * Fluency in both German and English.