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?
- The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
- You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
- We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.
About the Team
The Systems Engineering team at STARK is at the core of defining, analyzing, and validating the architecture of our flagship Virtus Loitering Munition System (VLMS) and its subcomponents. Our mission is to seamlessly bridge the gap between high-level customer requirements (such as Bw LaFos) and actionable engineering deliverables across software, hardware, and safety disciplines. You will be joining a highly agile and multidisciplinary group that works closely with subsystem owners, safety engineers, and product management to ensure total coverage of operational needs. We thrive on direct collaboration, rapid iteration, and maintaining robust traceability from Concept of Operations (ConOps) down to L3 technical requirements.
Your Mission
As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will drive the development and maintenance of our system architecture and requirement baselines. You will coordinate with hardware and software teams to allocate subsystem requirements and technical requirements across critical elements like the airframe, Ground Control Station (GCS), and Flight Control systems. By establishing clear traceability and managing the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), you will enable STARK to deliver safe, highly reliable, and compliant defence technologies within aggressive timelines.
You will work across engineering disciplines to design, test and build top-of-the-line solutions to some of the largest challenges facing the defence sector. In addition to academic and industrial experience in any technical field, candidates should also possess excellent communication skills, and an aptitude for turning complex challenges into direct, actionable solutions.
Responsibilities
- Define, decompose, and document system-level requirements down to subsystem and technical requirements.
- Maintain and evolve system engineering artefacts for Loitering Munition Systems across various configurations.
- Work closely with software and hardware teams to define interfaces, ensuring accurate allocation of requirements to system architecture elements.
- Assist in generating safety documentation, such as the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), Traceability Matrices, and System Hazard Analyses in compliance with MIL-STD-882E and IEC61508.
- Assist in the definition of IV&V (Integration, Verification, and Validation) processes for ground and flight testing, ensuring all customer requirements are verifiably met.
- Maintain technical documentation, including test protocols, subsystem design documents, and the overall system design baseline.
- Help refine our Data Models and Systems Engineering workflows to balance rapid development with rigorous documentation and traceability.
Required Skills
- Degree (Bachelor) in Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering or a related field (or comparable practical experience). Qualifications in other technical fields will be strongly considered if they demonstrate relevant skills.
- Experience managing complex requirements databases and traceability matrices (e.g., Jama Connect, DOORS).
- Strong understanding of Systems Engineering V-model processes, System Breakdown Structures (SBS), and requirements decomposition.
- Initial experience in system integration and working with communication protocols (e.g., CAN, DroneCAN, MAVLink, Ethernet) is an advantage.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills are a must, as is a motivation and willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.
- Experience in at least one of the following technical skillsets: 3D CAD; CFD/FEA or similar simulation techniques; Systems modelling and analysis in MATLAB/Simulink/SysML or similar.
- Code development in object-oriented languages (e.g. C, Python, Java, Javascript); Flight or similar vehicle testing.
Nice-To-Have
- Fluent English (C1 preferred). German language skills are advantageous but not required.
- Industry certifications or qualifications in Systems Engineering (e.g. from INCOSE).
- Familiarity with defence or aerospace functional safety standards, particularly MIL-STD-882E or IEC61508.
- Familiarity with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), loitering munitions, and autopilot platforms (e.g., Ardupilot, PX4, DroneCore).
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.