RF Engineer (All Genders)

STARK; Berlin; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK is seeking an RF Engineer to design, integrate, and validate robust RF systems for military UAV platforms. You will deliver secure communications and electronic warfare capabilities in contested environments.

You will work on RF hardware, perform simulations and tests, and ensure compliance with NATO STANAGs and MIL standards. The role requires travel across Europe and an active security clearance or eligibility.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications or related field.
• Experience in RF systems design for aerospace/defense contexts.
• Proficiency with SDRs, RF front-end design and antenna integration.
• Knowledge of RF propagation, modulation, spectral efficiency and interference mitigation.
• Familiarity with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers) and design tools (HFSS, CST, MATLAB).
• Understanding of EMC/EMI and ruggedization for harsh environments.
• Awareness of NATO STANAGs for comms and EW systems.
• Eligible for security clearance (or already holds one).
• Fluent English; German a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and validate RF systems for military UAV platforms.
• Define system-level requirements and ensure performance and environmental compliance.
• Develop architectures for UAV command, control, telemetry, and payload data transfer.
• Support EW functions like signal detection, jamming, spoofing, and RF hardening.
• Perform RF simulations, link budgets, and range performance modeling.
• Collaborate with mechanical and systems engineers on antenna placement and SWaP.
• Evaluate COTS and custom RF components for military use.
• Plan lab testing, range validation, and flight trials of RF systems.
• Ensure compliance with NATO STANAGs and MIL standards.

Skills

RF engineering

Software-defined radios

RF front-end design

Antenna integration

EMC/EMI principles

NATO STANAGs knowledge

Security clearance

English fluent

Travel willingness

Education

Electrical Engineering or RF Engineering degree

Tools

HFSS

CST

MATLAB

VNA equipment

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

Your Mission

As an RF Engineer you will Design, integrate, and validate robust RF systems for military UAV platforms, delivering secure communications and electronic warfare capability in contested environments.

Responsibilities

• Select, design, and integrate RF hardware including SDRs, antennas, filters, LNAs, power amplifiers, and front-end modules
• Define system-level requirements and ensure RF systems meet performance, environmental, and regulatory standards
• Develop robust communication architectures for UAV command, control, telemetry, and payload data transfer
• Support the design and integration of electronic warfare functions such as signal detection, jamming, spoofing, and RF hardening
• Perform RF simulations, link budget calculations, and range performance modeling
• Work with mechanical and systems engineers on antenna placement, EMC/EMI mitigation, and SWaP optimization
• Evaluate and qualify COTS and custom RF components for use in military platforms
• Plan and execute lab testing, range validation, and flight trials of RF systems
• Ensure compliance with NATO STANAGs, MIL standards (e.g. MIL-STD-461, 464, 810), and relevant frequency allocation regulations
• Contribute to safety, reliability, and certification documentation, including SC-Light UAS or equivalent pathways where applicable

Required Skills

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline
• Experience in RF systems design, ideally in aerospace, defense, or tactical communications
• Solid experience with software-defined radios, RF front-end design, and antenna system integration
• Knowledge of RF propagation, modulation schemes, spectral efficiency, and interference mitigation
• Familiar with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators) and RF design/simulation tools (e.g. HFSS, CST, MATLAB)
• Understanding of EMC/EMI principles and ruggedization of RF systems for harsh environments
• Familiarity with relevant military standards and NATO STANAGs for communication and EW systems
• Awareness of civil UAV certification requirements (e.g. SC-Light UAS) is a plus
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
• Ability to travel to various testing sites in Europe when needed
• Eligible for security clearance (or already holds one)
• Fluent in English; German is beneficial, additional languages are a plus

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.