Flight Test Engineer (m/f/d)

About Us:
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—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission:
As a Flight Test Engineer, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing flight tests for our cutting-edge UAV platforms. You will work closely with our engineering, software, and production teams to validate system performance and contribute to the next generation of autonomous flight technologies.

Responsibilities:
• Plan and execute UAV flight test campaigns in compliance with engineering requirements, and safety/operational protocols. This includes hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing prior to field campaigns
• Develop flight test plans, test cards, and risk assessments
• Coordinate closely with production, remote pilots, ground crew, software and systems engineers to ensure test readiness
• Conduct pre- and post-flight briefings, ensuring all team members understand test objectives, the flight plan, test hazards and constraints, and individual responsibilities
• Define and track completion of test objectives through clear pass/fail criteria and careful configuration control
• Integrate and troubleshoot avionics, payloads, and communication systems
• Monitor telemetry during flights, working with Ardupilot and PX4-based flight control systems
• Document all flight activities, test results, and anomalies thoroughly. Provide flight data in a timely manner and provide post test reporting feedback to engineering
• Collaborate closely with software developers and hardware engineers for rapid iterations
• Assist in flight readiness reviews and system certifications
• Ensure compliance with relevant airspace regulations and internal safety standards
• Support root-cause investigations of in-flight anomalies or test failures, contributing to effective corrective action plans
• Drive improvements to the Flight Test Operations Manual and other process documentation, continuously evolving and improving workflow and safety
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending and implementing innovations to improve our products and processes
• Dive deep into the details to identify, understand, and solve difficult technical problems.
• Constantly be challenging requirements to determine what adds value and what does not

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience developing test documentation, including Flight Test Definitions, THA’s, Test Cards, and checklists
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with a strong drive for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Practical experience planning and conducting system or flight tests in related industry or projects
• Experience with data processing and analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python
• Familiarity with ground control stations, telemetry systems, and flight planning tools
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently in a dynamic startup environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and German
• Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations)