Working Student – Flight Software Engineering (PX4 / Autopilot) (all genders)

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 Us

STARK is a European defence technology company building the next generation of unmanned systems. We
design, develop and manufacture software-defined, mass-scalable and cost-effective platforms that give
NATO operators a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We are focused on delivering
deployable, high-performance capability — not future promises. In a time of rising threats, our work
strengthens the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners.

About the team

You will join our hardware engineering team, working closely with engineers across propulsion, power systems, testing, and aircraft development to turn measured data into better-performing unmanned systems.

Your mission

Your mission is to work hands-on with the parts of the aircraft that turn stored energy into flight: the
motors, the batteries, and the propulsion and power components that decide how far, how fast, and how
long our platforms fly. You support the hardware team from bench characterisation through data analysis
in MATLAB and Python.

You aren't just swapping components on a bench; you are helping generate the measured evidence that
decides what actually flies — and learning how unmanned hardware is designed, tested, and pushed to its
limits.

Responsibilities

• Support characterisation and bench testing of motors, propellers, batteries, and power components for our UAS platforms.
• Help set up test rigs and instrumentation, and capture clean, repeatable measurement data.
• Assist with component selection and trade-offs by turning test data into clear comparisons.
• Reduce and analyse test data in MATLAB and Python — efficiency, thrust, endurance, thermal and discharge behaviour.
• Visualise results so the engineering team can make decisions from them quickly.
• Keep test setups, measurements, and findings documented and traceable.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or a comparable engineering field.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB and Python for data analysis.
• Interest in and some exposure to UAS, electric propulsion (motors / ESCs), or battery / power systems.
• Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations).
• Practical, hands-on mindset — comfortable at the bench and with a multimeter as much as in a script.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English; German is a plus.
• Hands-on: You like building, measuring, and finding out what really happens.
• Rigorous: You trust clean measurements over assumptions.
• Curious: You want to understand why a component behaves the way it does.

Nice to have

• Experience with test benches, DAQ, or measurement instrumentation.
• Familiarity with battery testing, thermal behaviour, or motor/propeller characterisation.
• Personal projects with drones, RC aircraft, batteries, or robotics.

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.