Flight Test Engineer

Overview

Scaling high-impact teams with purpose, speed & structure @ STARK Defence.

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

Legal disclaimer

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. 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 the position.

Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Production
• Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing

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