Autopilot Engineer (Control)

STARK; Berlin; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

STARK is seeking an Autopilot Engineer in Berlin, Germany, to develop and maintain flight controller firmware for unmanned systems. The ideal candidate will have an Integrated Master's degree, strong C/C++ programming skills, and hands-on experience with flight controllers and sensors.

Responsibilities include developing auto-pilot firmware, conducting HIL/SIL testing, and optimizing performance. Candidates must be eligible for security clearance. Join us in advancing the future of European defence!

Qualifikationen

• Strong foundation in mathematics and physics (dynamics, kinematics).
• Hands-on experience with flight controllers and sensors.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (e.g., NuttX).

Aufgaben

• Develop and maintain autopilot firmware for all systems.
• Optimize real-time performance on constrained systems.
• Conduct HIL/SIL testing and real-world flight tests.

Kenntnisse

C/C++ programming skills

Experience with PX4 systems

Understanding of flight dynamics

Deep understanding of control principles

Debugging and performance tuning skills

Ausbildung

Integrated Master's (Dipl. Eng.) in relevant fields

Tools

PX4

Embedded microcontrollers (MCUs)

ROS2

Jobbeschreibung

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising 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 an Autopilot Engineer you will develop, adjust, and maintain flight controller firmware and autopilot systems that enable stable, reliable, and high-performance control of unmanned platforms under real-world operational constraints.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain autopilot firmware for all systems (PX4-based systems)
• Develop and customise our systems for all platforms
• Implement and tune low-level control loops (PID, LQR, rate, attitude, and actuator control)
• Work directly with flight controllers (MCU-based systems) and embedded hardware
• Develop and integrate sensor drivers (IMU, barometer, magnetometer, GPS, air data)
• Optimize real-time performance on constrained systems (NuttX / RTOS environments)
• Interface high-level autonomy (ROS2) with low-level autopilot systems (MAVLink / DDS bridges)
• Perform hardware-software integration, calibration, and validation
• Support pre-arm checks, safety systems, and failsafe mechanisms
• Debug issues across firmware, drivers, and hardware layers
• Conduct HIL/SIL testing and real-world flight tests
• Document system architecture, tuning procedures, and validation results

Qualifications

• Integrated Master's (Dipl. Eng.) or higher in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or Applied Mathematics & Physical Sciences (TEMFE).
• Strong foundation in mathematics and physics (dynamics, kinematics)
• Deep understanding of flight dynamics and control principles
• Hands-on experience with PX4 systems, ArduPilot (ArduCopter, ArduPlane), iNav, Betaflight, AuterionOS, and MAVLink Protocol
• Experience with flight controllers and embedded microcontrollers (MCUs)
• Strong C/C++ programming skills (embedded / real-time systems)
• Experience developing low‑level firmware and sensor drivers
• Familiarity with IMU, barometer, magnetometer, GNSS, air data sensors
• Understanding of real‑time operating systems (e.g., NuttX)
• Experience with system integration and hardware debugging
• Strong debugging and performance tuning skills

Nice to have

• Experience with ArduPilot or PX4 internals (uORB, WorkQueues, modules)
• Knowledge of uXRCE-DDS, or ROS2 integration
• Experience with hardware bring‑up and PCB‑level debugging
• Familiarity with redundant IMU architectures and sensor voting
• Experience with high‑shock environments
• Understanding of safety‑critical systems and failsafe design
• MATLAB / Python for control tuning and analysis

If you´re interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected in the description above, please send us your CV in English. We´re looking forward to meeting you!

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.