STARK is a new kind of defence technology company, revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.

As a Flight Test Engineer, you are the "Conductor of the Flight Line." Depending on your seniority, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our flight test campaigns, from initial planning and hazard assessment to execution and deep-dive data analysis.

Onsite Test Coordination & Leadership

• Act as the Onsite Test Coordinator: Lead daily operations on the range, ensuring the team stays focused on the primary test objectives.

• Clarify Priorities: Maintain and communicate the "Daily Flight Schedule," ensuring everyone knows the sequence of events and current testing priorities.
• Lead Briefings: Drive the morning "Pre-Flight Brief" and the evening "Debrief," capturing critical feedback and setting goals for the following day.

• Resource Management: Coordinate the availability of airframes, ground support equipment, and personnel to maximize range time efficiency.

Flight Execution & Safety

• Coordinate and execute UAV flight tests in compliance with regulatory requirements and STARK safety standards.

• Ensure all flight activities and anomalies are documented with high fidelity.
• Develop specific Flight Test Techniques (FTTs) and instrumentation requirements to capture critical performance metrics.

• Lead Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR) and contribute to safety review boards.

Test Design & Data Analysis

• Develop comprehensive flight test plans, test cards, and rigorous flight test hazard assessments (FTHA).

• Process and analyze flight data using MATLAB or Python to validate system performance against requirements.
• Work closely with Ardupilot and PX4-based flight control systems to iterate on flight behavior and performance.

• Manage the configuration of flight test articles, ensuring all hardware and software versions are meticulously tracked.

Your First 12 Months

Educational & Legal Background

• Degree: Bachelor’s or higher in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.

• NATO Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations).

• Communication: Professional-level written and verbal English.

Technical & Leadership Toolkit

• Coordination Skills: Proven ability to lead a technical team on-site, manage schedules, and communicate priorities clearly under pressure.

• Data Mastery: Practical experience in data reduction and analysis using MATLAB or Python.
• UAV Systems: Familiarity with Ground Control Stations (GCS), telemetry systems, and mission planning tools.

• Testing Rigor: Proven ability to plan and conduct system-level tests in an aerospace or defense environment.

Mindset & Style

• The "General" Mindset: You are naturally organized and can work through ambiguity on the flight line.

• Analytical & Decisive: You can analyze a data anomaly quickly and decide whether to continue testing.

• Meticulous Documenter: You believe that if it wasn't documented with high fidelity, the test never happened.

Preferred Experience

• Active experience as an FTE or Test Director in crewed or uncrewed aviation.

• Hands-on experience with flight test instrumentation (FTI) and DAQ systems.

• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environments.