S
On-siteFull-timeMid levelEngineering
Apply on Skdse's site ↗
You apply directly with the employer. We never charge applicants.
You apply directly with the employer. We never charge applicants.
Köln, Germany
Germany
Pay not published. Too few similar jobs show pay for a fair estimate.
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 with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.
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.
Why Join Us?
Your Mission
We are on a mission to push the boundaries of UAV technology. To take our operations to the next level, we are actively working to secure our Operating Certificate from the LBA. As a Flight Operations & Compliance Specialist you will support the Head of Flight Test to execute the day-to-day regulatory and compliance operations that keep our aircraft legally in the air.
Responsibilities
You will lead the preparation of SORA-based applications, including ConOps drafting, ground risk calculations, and OSO evidence compilation.
Help build up, implement, and maintain our internal Flight Safety Procedures from the ground up as we march toward our LBA certification.
Maintain the Operations Manual as a living document, ensuring it reflects current equipment, personnel, and procedures.
Monitor EASA (EU) 2019/947, JARUS outputs, and national regulations.
Own the central register for remote pilots and test crew (licenses, medicals, type ratings, and SQEP designations).
Manage a 90/60/30-day expiry-tracking system to ensure zero lapses in operational currency.
Coordinate recurrent training and prepare personnel records for NAA audits and insurance reviews.
Administer the safety reporting system, ensuring mandatory logs are submitted to the NAA within legal timeframes.
Track incident investigations and corrective actions to closure. Compile Safety Performance Indicator (SPI) data for trend analysis.
Gather evidence and draft checklists to ensure alignment with the Operations Manual.
Prepare documentation for Military Permits to Fly and Experimental Certificates, including flight test plans and hazard footprints.
Manage NOTAMs, exclusion zone maps, and communication plans for flight days.
On-Site Compliance: Act as the compliance representative during test campaigns, verifying briefings and adherence to approved authorisations.
Required Skills
Degree in aerospace engineering, aviation management, aviation safety, or a related technical field. Military aviation training backgrounds are welcome.
3–5 years experience in aviation safety, flight operations, UAS operations, or regulatory compliance.
Working knowledge of EASA Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and the SORA methodology. You may not have led a full SORA submission independently, but you understand the framework, the 10-step process, and the relationship between GRC, ARC, SAIL, and OSOs.
Experience with aviation documentation systems: operations manuals, flight logs, safety reports, or qualification records.
Familiarity with Safety Management System principles (ICAO Annex 19 or equivalent). Formal SMS training is a plus but not required if you have practical exposure.
Business-fluent English required. German is a strong advantage.
You will be exposed to regulatory complexity that most professionals encounter much later in their careers. You actively seek to understand, not just to execute. Ask “why” before you ask “how.”
Nice-To-Have
Direct experience preparing or contributing to SORA-based operational authorisation applications for any European NAA.
Direct previous exposure or collaboration with the LBA or other National Aviation Authorities.
Internal auditor training or experience (ISO 9001, AS9100, or aviation-specific audit frameworks).
Familiarity with EASA Part 21 concepts, Design Verification Reports, or type certification processes.
Previous exposure to military aviation environments, test ranges, or defence procurement processes.
Equal Opportunity:
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.
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.
Security Clearance:
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.