NPI / Manufacturing Engineer – Industrialization & DFM (All Genders)

Stark Defence; Deutschland; Remote; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence in Germany is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to bridge R&D and mass production, focusing on Industrialization, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and PFMEA leadership. The role aims to optimize high-yield, cost-effective, scalable production from early design stages.

You will collaborate with R&D to run DFM/DFA reviews, lead PFMEA workshops, and support ramp-up from prototype to pilot and full-scale manufacturing, ensuring quality and robust processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• High proficiency with PFMEA and applying DFM/DFA principles.
• Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks, Creo, etc.) are essential.

Responsibilities

• DFM/DFA integration with early R&D design cycles and reviews.
• Lead PFMEA workshops to identify risks and define mitigation actions.
• Own industrialization and ramp-up from prototype to pilot and mass production.
• Define early-stage quality criteria and collaborate with QA to meet specs.
• Provide technical feedback to R&D on tolerances, materials, and production feasibility.

Skills

PFMEA

DFM/DFA

3D CAD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

NPI / Manufacturing Engineer – Industrialization & DFM (All Genders)

Germany

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’ll be joining a hardworking, hands-on team that thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership, and is committed to delivering results within tight deadlines. Collaboration, practical problem-solving, and a shared drive to continuously improve our manufacturing processes are at the heart of how the team works.

Your Mission

As the Manufacturing Engineer, you will act as the vital bridge between R&D and mass production. Your primary focus is on Industrialization, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Risk Mitigation (FMEA). You will embed yourself with the R&D team early in the design phase to ensure that next-generation products are optimized for high-yield, cost-effective, and scalable manufacturing.

Responsibilities

DFM/DFA Integration: Collaborate closely with R&D during early design cycles. Conduct rigorous Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews to simplify designs and prepare them for automated production.

FMEA Leadership: Lead and document Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) workshops to proactively identify manufacturing risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Industrialization: Own the manufacturing ramp-up during. Track and manage the transition from prototype builds to pilot runs and eventual mass production.

Quality & Validation: Define early-stage quality criteria, design assembly fixtures, and collaborate with quality teams to validate that production processes meet product specifications.

General ME Support: Provide technical feedback to R&D regarding manufacturing capabilities, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection impact on production.

Required Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

Proven track record in NPI/Industrialization environments, successfully transitioning products from engineering labs to the factory floor.

High proficiency in running PFMEAs and applying DFM/DFA principles. Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks, Creo, etc.) are essential.

Nice-To-Have

Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, ideally within aerospace, defence, automotive, or other highly regulated industries.

Hands-on experience with production automation, assembly tooling, and process optimization to support efficient and scalable manufacturing.

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 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.