Program Director - Hardware Systems

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. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.

Your mission:
As a Program Manager at STARK, you will lead one of our core hardware programs taking it from early R&D all the way to production readiness. You’ll be responsible for translating ambitious technical concepts into operational products and building the team that makes it happen.

You’ll work hand-in-hand with a dedicated Chief Engineer, combining program leadership with technical direction. Together, you’ll shape the vision, align priorities, and drive execution across engineering, production, and business functions.

A key part of your mission will be to build and scale a world-class engineering team, recruiting top talent, defining structure, and fostering a high-performance culture that moves fast, collaborates openly, and delivers. You’ll also coordinate with shared engineering functions (simulation, testing, systems, etc.) to allocate resources effectively and ensure critical work gets the attention it needs.

This role is about ownership and leadership: Building both a product and the organization that delivers it.

Responsibilities:
• End-to-End Program Leadership: Own the delivery of a major hardware program from R&D, to go-to-market verification to production readiness.

• Team Building: Build, structure, and grow a high-performing multidisciplinary team. Recruit top engineering talent and create an environment where they can deliver their best work.

• Partnership with Chief Engineer: Co-lead the program, pairing strong technical direction with decisive program leadership.

• Strategic Planning: Translate strategic goals into clear milestones, deliverables, and resource plans.

• Execution & Prioritization: Drive focus on what matters most. Keep teams aligned, proactive, and moving fast.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Connect the dots across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and business functions to maintain alignment and momentum.

• Program–Portfolio Alignment: Work closely with the VP Programs to ensure key programs get the focus and resources needed to deliver cutting-edge technology to customers at record speed.

• Leadership & Culture: Set high standards, communicate clearly, and keep teams motivated and accountable even in demanding phases.

• Stakeholder Communication: Deliver concise, transparent updates on progress, risks, and key decisions to leadership.

• Process & Structure: Implement pragmatic governance and scalable processes that enable speed without bureaucracy.

Your First 12 Months

Timeframe

Focus

Month 0–1: Learn & Align

Deeply understand the product, its technical foundation, and organizational landscape. Build a strong partnership with your Chief Engineer and align with the VP Programs on strategic priorities.

Month 1–3: Build the Team & the Plan

Define the execution roadmap and the team needed to achieve it. Hire key roles, clarify responsibilities, and establish clear processes and communication channels.

Month 3–6: Drive Execution

Lead the newly formed team through key development phases. Ensure clarity of priorities, proactive risk management, and strong coordination across shared functions.

Month 6–12: Scale & Mature

Strengthen the team’s capabilities and independence. Build production readiness, refine delivery frameworks, and grow emerging leaders within the program.

By the end of your first year, you will have built a capable, high-performing team delivering real progress toward production readiness with clear structure, focus, and results.

Qualifications:
• Experience: 4–10 years in program or project management, ideally in hardware, aerospace, robotics, or defense. Proven experience leading complex technical programs and growing teams.

• Background: Technical or technically literate background: e.g. engineering, industrial engineering, or technical management. You don’t need to design systems yourself, but you must understand how engineers think and work.

• Leadership: Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams. You attract talent, set structure, and keep people aligned through clarity and purpose.

• Mindset: Mission-driven, decisive, and pragmatic. You thrive in ambiguity and bring structure to complexity. You seek feedback, learn fast, and raise your own bar continuously.

• Communication: Clear, direct communicator with strong written and verbal skills in English and German.

• Execution: Strong bias for action: >ou get things done, stay close to the details, and drive accountability.

• Tools: Comfortable with modern program tools (e.g. Jira, Confluence, Excel, and PMO systems).

Why STARK

• Build and lead one of Europe’s most advanced hardware programs from early R&D to production.

• Work directly with top engineering and program leaders, shaping both product and organization.

• Create and grow a world-class team.

• Be part of a mission that truly matters, strengthening Europe’s technological and defense edge.

Location: Munich area