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 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

You will be the systems safety lead for a next-generation Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), driving a safety-by-design approach across

the entire product lifecycle. This includes ensuring all mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems meet stringent safety

requirements. As a Principal / Senior Systems Engineer, you will define the safety-critical architecture and interfaces, manage

safety integration and verification activities, and drive system safety validation through rigorous testing, hazard analysis, and

compliance reporting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as the system safety lead for UAS product development and upgrades, owning overall platform safety and coherency from

concept through delivery.

Work day-to-day within multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, avionics, software, test) across the full lifecycle of

UAS design, integration, test and fielding.

Conceptualise and capture system architecture for new platforms and enhancements, producing technical trade studies,

safety-critical sizing, and system performance assessments.

Establish and execute the system safety program, including the development of Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHA) and

System/Subsystem Hazard Assessments (SHA/SSHA).

Lead and coordinate Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities

across multidisciplinary teams.

Produce layout and system design plans, define Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and enforce interface control processes for

mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems.

Establish and maintain requirements baselines, including safety requirements, and traceability using industry tools (e.g., IBM

DOORS) and MBSE approaches.

Implement robust change control processes to manage and assess the impact of all design changes on system safety and

compliance.

Act as the technical interface between internal teams, suppliers and customers to coordinate payload integration, unique/custom

hardware or software interfaces, and ensure on-time capability delivery.

Manage tactical engineering tasks during development sprints and test campaigns, resolving cross-discipline issues and

maintaining configuration control.

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree (or equivalent) in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical or a closely related Engineering discipline.

Significant industry experience with demonstrable systems engineering and system safety responsibility on UAV/aerospace or

equivalent complex, safety-critical platforms.

Strong practical experience integrating complex systems: power systems, RF/EMC, EO sensors, networking, flight controllers and

payload interfaces.

Proven track record in requirements capture, compliance analysis, and verification/validation activities; proficient with

requirements management tools (IBM DOORS or similar).

Demonstrable experience leading and executing safety analyses, including Hazard Assessments (PHA/SHA/SSHA) and FMEA/DFMEA.

Familiarity with safety standards (e.g., ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-178C, DO-254) and the principles of requirements and change

control in a regulated environment.

Familiarity with MBSE principles, interface control processes and configuration management in regulated environments.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; highly organised and detail-oriented.

Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and to travel within the UK/Europe for testing and

integration.

A genuine passion for system development, integration and testing and a collaborative, inclusive team approach.

Security-cleared or eligible to obtain UK defence clearance.

Desirable

Prior experience leading Systems Engineering and authoring safety assurance documentation and risk management artefacts.

Experience integrating complex/custom payloads for partner or customer use (hardware, electrical and software interfaces).

Background in start-up or scale-up environments where rapid prototyping, iterative testing and pragmatic engineering decisions

are typical.

Role

Systems Engineer – Safety & UAS (All Genders)

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