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On-siteFull-timeManagerEngineering
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Schweinfurt, Germany
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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
As our Werkstattmeister (Workshop Lead), you are the technical authority on the R&D shop floor. Your mission is to maintain a high-functioning prototyping environment that bridges the gap between digital design and physical testing.
You will lead a small team of 3–4 technicians and act as the "gatekeeper" of our workshop standards. You balance the speed of R&D with the necessity of order: you ensure tools are returned, machines are respected, and safety is never compromised. You aren't just a supervisor; you are an enabler who provides the guidance and structure engineers need to build and test their designs effectively before they move into series production.
Responsibilities
Workshop Management & Authority
Ownership of the Floor: You define and enforce the standards for cleanliness, tool placement, and machine usage. You ensure the workshop remains organized enough to remain productive.
Asset Maintenance: You own the maintenance cycles for our CNC portal, manual lathe, and large 3D printing farm (FDM, Resin, and SLS/PA11).
Technical Guidance: You provide hands-on support and "over-the-shoulder" guidance to engineers. You ensure they use the equipment correctly and help them troubleshoot physical build issues.
Inventory & Sourcing: You manage the stock of R&D materials and hardware. You will be a key stakeholder in selecting and commissioning our future high-end metal CNC machinery.
Prototyping & Assembly
Execution: Lead the team in building complex prototypes, from UAV airframes to radio link towers and specialized test stands, supporting the Engineers that designed builds.
Additive Farm Oversight: Ensure the printing farm is running efficiently, prioritizing jobs based on R&D needs and ensuring the quality of high-strength PA11 SLS parts.
Process Transition: Help refine prototyping workflows so that designs can be successfully handed over to the production workshop.
Required Skills
Experience & Education
Certified Master Craftsman (Meister) or Senior Technician in a mechanical field (e.g., Feinwerkmechanik, Industriemechanik, Modellbau, or Aviation/Fluggerätmechanik).
Experience in a prototyping or R&D environment where you have managed both machines and people.
Machining: Strong hands-on experience with manual lathes and CNC machines (milling/portal).
Additive Manufacturing: Solid understanding of FDM and Resin processes. Practical experience with SLS (PA11) for functional parts is a strong advantage.
Familiar with CAD/CAM: Ability to work with CATIA / 3DEXPERIENCE to review designs to prepare manufacturing steps is a plus.
Standards: A background in aviation or defense-related manufacturing standards is a big plus.
Mindset & Working Style
The "Anchor" of the Shop: You have the confidence to enforce shop floor rules and ensure discipline regarding tools and safety, but you do it to help the team, not to hinder them.
Practical Leadership: You understand that R&D requires flexibility. You aim for a "clean-as-you-go" culture that supports speed rather than a rigid "sterile lab" mentality.
Quality & Pride: You take personal pride in the state of the workshop and the quality of the prototypes that leave it.
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.