GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager in Großmehring, München

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.Your MissionYou will own the flight control and navigation stack that keeps our autonomous platforms stable, predictable, and precise — from first power-on to final approach (GNC = Guidance, Navigation, Control). This isn't a maintenance role: you're building the control and state-estimation foundation that every other system on the platform depends on, while growing a team of engineers who can own that responsibility with you. Success looks like a navigation and control stack that performs reliably under the demanding, contested conditions our systems are built for.ResponsibilitiesLead and grow a fast-expanding team of engineers working on flight control, guidance, and state estimationFacilitate and execute the technical direction for the STARK autopilot stack: control theory (PID/LQR/MPC), sensor fusion architecture, state estimation (EKF/UKF), and real-time performancePartner with hardware, perception, and systems engineering teams to ensure navigation performance holds end-to-end, not just in isolationOwn technical roadmap planning for your domain and represent it to your Director and cross-functional stakeholdersBring software engineering best practices to the team such as the C4 architecture model, clean code principles and software design patternsModerate the peer review process with the team and ensure knowledge sharing and across different senioritiesDrive hiring, mentoring, and career development for your team as well as ways of working togetherReport on technical risk, schedule, and capacity to leadershipDrive test and validation strategy, from simulation and HIL testing through live trialsRequired Skills7+ years of software (robotics) engineering experience in the domain of GNC (guidance, navigation, and control)3+ years in a leadership role (Team Lead, Head of, Engineering Manager, or equivalent) with direct people management experienceProvent track record of deploying robotics software application into production environmentStrong knowledge about the GNC domainFluent English; German is a plusNice-To-HaveProven track record taking autonomous systems with GNSS-denied navigation system from design to production fielded, flight-tested productsExperience with PX4, ArduPilot, or comparable open-source autopilot stacksBackground in aerospace, robotics, or MINT programsExposure to systems operating in contested or degraded environmentsPrior experience scaling a technical team in a startup or fast-growing engineering orgFamiliarity with MIL-STD or STANAG-aligned development practicesEqual 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 defense 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr