Operations Planning & Analytics Lead (All genders) arbeitnow Skdse Munich, Bavaria · 10/22/2026

Primetime; München; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark is seeking an OPA Lead to drive the architecture, development, and evolution of its core operational platforms. You will lead cross-functional teams across engineering and product to deliver scalable, secure, and resilient software stacks for autonomous defence systems.

The role emphasizes architectural leadership, collaboration with hardware and defense experts, and ensuring reliability in demanding environments. Onsite in Germany, with opportunities in high-technology defense projects.

Qualifications

• Proven technical leadership in software architecture or platform teams.
• Strong experience with distributed systems and embedded/edge deployment.
• Degree in CS/Software Eng or equivalent.
• Fluent English with strong technical communication.
• Security clearance eligibility mentioned in posting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the OPA engineering team in architecture design and integration.
• Define the technical roadmap for Stark's core operational platform.
• Set architectural patterns, coding guidelines, and engineering processes.
• Collaborate with product managers, hardware engineers, and defense domain experts to translate requirements into specifications.
• Drive system performance, secure communications, and edge deployment strategy for autonomous software stacks.
• Foster high technical rigor, rapid iteration, and continuous learning within the team.

Skills

Technical leadership

Software architecture

Distributed systems

Edge deployment

English communication

Education

BSc/BA in CS or Eng

Tools

Containerization

RTOS

Edge AI platforms

APIs

Job description

Type: Onsite

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

The Operational Platform & Architecture (OPA) team builds and maintains the foundational software architecture that powers our multi-domain defence platforms. As OPA Lead, you will define architectural standards, lead a highly skilled engineering team, and ensure seamlessly integrated software execution across complex defence environments. Your team directly bridges high-level mission software with real-time operational reliability.

YOUR MISSION

As OPA Lead, you will drive the architecture, development, and evolution of Stark's core operational platforms. You will lead cross-functional engineering efforts to deliver scalable, secure, and resilient system platforms that meet the strict requirements of defense and autonomous operations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK

• Lead and mentor the Operational Platform & Architecture engineering team across core architecture design, software development, and systems integration.
• Define and execute the technical roadmap for Stark's core operational platform architecture.
• Establish architectural patterns, coding guidelines, and robust engineering processes to ensure system performance, maintainability, and safety compliance.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, hardware engineers, and defense domain experts to translate operational requirements into technical specifications.
• Drive system performance optimization, secure communication protocols, and edge deployment strategy for autonomous software stacks.
• Foster an environment of high technical rigor, rapid iteration, and continuous learning within the team.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION

• Proven technical leadership experience leading software architecture or platform engineering teams in complex software environments.
• Strong background in C++, Rust, or Modern Java/Python with deep knowledge of distributed systems and platform infrastructure.
• Demonstrated expertise in system software design, API architecture, networking protocols, and embedded/edge deployment.
• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Fluent in English with strong technical communication and stakeholder management skills.

NICE TO HAVE

• Prior experience in defence technology, aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability autonomous systems.
• Familiarity with NATO standards, cybersecurity compliance, or safety-critical software engineering.
• Knowledge of containerization, real-time operating systems (RTOS), or edge AI platforms.

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.

This overview was written from the original listing to help you understand the role. Always confirm the specifics on the employer’s application page.