Software Flight Test Engineer (All Genders)

<div class="content-intro"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners &nbsp;with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.</span><br><br></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Why Join Us?</span></strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&amp;D backing.</span></li> </ul></div><p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Your Mission</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Design, execute, and analyze complex flight test campaigns for fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned systems, ensuring safe, repeatable, and performance-driven validation of autonomous guidance, navigation, and control algorithms under realistic and extreme operational scenarios.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Responsibilities</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Plan and execute flight tests for fixed-wing UAVs and copters</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Act as remote pilot (RPAS) for experimental missions</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Design test procedures for:</span> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">GNSS-denied navigation</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Dynamic moving target engagements</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">High-wind and degraded sensor environments</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Conduct pre-flight and post-flight system checks (mechanical, electrical, firmware)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Integrate payloads, sensors, telemetry, and safety systems</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Analyze flight logs (EKF behavior, control loops, actuator response, energy usage)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Debug hardware/software integration issues on-site</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Design and build custom test rigs or mechanical/electrical modifications for experimental setups</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Coordinate with Control and Perception teams</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Enforce strict safety and airspace compliance standards</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Required Skills</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Certified UAV pilot (fixed-wing or multirotor)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Strong understanding of:</span> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Flight dynamics</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Control theory basics</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Aerodynamics</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Electrical systems (power distribution, ESCs, batteries)</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Mechanical assembly and rapid prototyping capability</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ability to read schematics and debug hardware</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Experience with flight controllers</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Strong troubleshooting mindset</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Nice-To-Have</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Telemetry and log analysis skills</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Background in aerospace or mechanical engineering</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">GNSS-denied flight experience</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">EKF debugging knowledge</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ROS2 ecosystem familiarity</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Experience in high-risk flight testing</span></li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Python/C++ scripting for analysis</span></li> </ul> <p><br><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If you´re intersted in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected in the description above, please send us your&nbsp;<strong><u>CV in English.</u></strong>&nbsp;We´re looking forward to meeting you!</span></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Equal Opportunity:</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">At Stark Defence, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team. We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications—ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points. We value unique perspectives, adaptability, and a drive to solve high-stakes challenges.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Security Clearance:</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.</span></p></div>