Aircraft Design Engineer

STARK; Germany; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK in Germany is seeking a Junior to Mid-level Aircraft Design Engineer to own the top-level layout, aerodynamic sizing, and performance viability of our autonomous flight platforms. You will bridge technical domains by evaluating design trade-offs, tracking weight envelopes, and managing energy budgets across the vehicle.

You will enable STARK to deliver mission-ready unmanned systems by bringing concepts from initial setup through physical flight testing, collaborating with structures,

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundational knowledge in aircraft sizing, weight estimation, center of gravity tracking, and flight performance.
• Hands-on mindset with passion to design, build, and test physical aircraft hardware.
• Fluency in English with strong written and verbal technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define external shape, aerodynamic profile, and overall dimensions to establish master geometry.
• Establish MTOW baselines and track CoG envelope throughout design lifecycle.
• Calculate payload-range performance, manage energy budgets, and evaluate flight loads.
• Perform rapid trade-off optimizations balancing aerodynamic efficiency and structural mass.
• Collaborate with subsystem leads to align system-level requirements.
• Participate in hands-on design, rapid prototyping, and flight-testing of unmanned platform concepts.

Skills

Aircraft sizing

Weight estimation

Center of gravity tracking

Flight performance

Hands-on engineering

Technical communication

UAS experience

Load analysis

Propulsion matching

Flight dynamics testing

Conceptual sizing tools

Education

Aerospace Engineering degree

Aeronautical Engineering degree

Mechanical Engineering degree

Related field degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

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.

ABOUT THE TEAM

You will join our multidisciplinary Future concept team, responsible for shaping the physical platforms that define STARK’s autonomous fleet. As generalists in a fast-paced environment, our team thrives on a hands-on design, build, and test philosophy to turn complex concepts into operational systems quickly. Within this group, Overall Aircraft Design (OAD) serves as the central integration layer, defining top-level layout, performance targets, and vehicle viability without getting bogged down in individual component design. We foster a collaborative, highly iterative working style where engineering trade-offs are evaluated holistically to optimize aircraft performance.

YOUR MISSION

As a Junior or Mid-level Aircraft Design Engineer, you will own the top-level layout, aerodynamic sizing, and performance viability of our next-generation autonomous flight platforms. You will bridge technical domains by evaluating design trade-offs, tracking weight envelopes, and managing energy budgets across the vehicle. In this role, you enable STARK to deliver highly optimized, mission-ready unmanned systems by bringing concepts rapidly from initial setup through physical flight testing.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK

• Define the external shape, aerodynamic profile, and overall dimensions to establish master geometry and vehicle configurations.
• Establish Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) baselines and maintain rigorous tracking of the Center of Gravity (CoG) envelope throughout the design lifecycle.
• Calculate payload-range performance metrics, manage system energy budgets, and evaluate operational flight loads.
• Conduct multidisciplinary trade-off optimizations during design stages to balance conflicting requirements such as aerodynamic efficiency versus structural mass.
• Evaluate top-level aircraft layout viability and operational trade-offs rather than focusing on detailed component design.
• Participate directly in hands-on design, rapid prototyping, and flight-testing activities for emerging unmanned platform concepts.
• Collaborate with subsystem engineering leads across structures, aerodynamics, and flight controls to align system-level requirements.
• Perform rapid conceptual sizing and trade studies to quickly adapt vehicle configurations to changing mission profiles.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundational knowledge in aircraft sizing, weight estimation, center of gravity tracking, and flight performance.
• Hands-on mindset with strong passion and drive to design, build, and test physical aircraft hardware.
• Versatile generalist approach with the ability and curiosity to tackle a wide variety of engineering challenges.
• Solid understanding of aerodynamic profiles, top-level vehicle geometry, and trade-off optimization.
• Fluency in English with strong written and verbal technical communication skills.

NICE TO HAVE

• Prior hands-on experience with unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones) or student aerospace initiatives (e.g., Design/Build/Fly, Air Cargo Challenge).
• Familiarity with conceptual aircraft sizing tools and CAD software for surface modeling and master geometry.
• Exposure to basic load analysis, propulsion matching, or flight dynamics testing.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.