Software Flight Test Engineer ( All Genders)

About Us

STARK is a defense technology company that is fundamentally changing the use of autonomous systems in various operational environments. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-controlled, scalable to high volumes, and cost-effective. This gives our forces a decisive advantage in challenging combat environments.

Our focus is on ready-to-use, high-performance systems—not vague promises for the future. In an era of growing threats, STARK strengthens the technological superiority of NATO allies and their partners to ensure deterrence and defend Europe today

Your mission

Design, execute, and analyze complex flight test campaigns for fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned systems, ensuring safe, repeatable, and performance-driven validation of autonomous guidance, navigation, and control algorithms under realistic and extreme operational scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute flight tests for fixed-wing UAVs and copters
• Act as remote pilot (RPAS) for experimental missions
• Design test procedures for:
  • GNSS-denied navigation
  • Dynamic moving target engagements
  • High-wind and degraded sensor environments
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight system checks (mechanical, electrical, firmware)
• Integrate payloads, sensors, telemetry, and safety systems
• Analyze flight logs (EKF behavior, control loops, actuator response, energy usage)
• Debug hardware/software integration issues on-site
• Design and build custom test rigs or mechanical/electrical modifications for experimental setups
• Coordinate with Control and Perception teams
• Enforce strict safety and airspace compliance standards

Qualifications

• Certified UAV pilot (fixed-wing or multirotor)
• Strong understanding of:
  • Flight dynamics
  • Control theory basics
  • Aerodynamics
  • Electrical systems (power distribution, ESCs, batteries)
• Mechanical assembly and rapid prototyping capability
• Ability to read schematics and debug hardware
• Experience with flight controllers
• Strong troubleshooting mindset

Nice to Have

• Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot
• Telemetry and log analysis skills
• Background in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• GNSS-denied flight experience
• EKF debugging knowledge
• ROS2 ecosystem familiarity
• Experience in high-risk flight testing
• Python/C++ scripting for analysis

If you´re intersted in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected in the description above, please send us your CV in English. We´re looking forward to meeting you!