Senior Embedded Software Engineer (All Genders)

Skdse; München; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence in Germany is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize real-time firmware for STM32-based platforms used in autonomous defence systems. You will collaborate with hardware, systems, and flight software teams to deliver robust and secure embedded solutions.

The role focuses on low-level firmware, real-time operation, fault handling, and safety-critical development in compliance-driven environments, with opportunity to influence architecture and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of embedded firmware development experience.
• Strong native C programming in embedded or low-level environments.
• Hands-on experience with STM32 microcontrollers.
• Experience with real-time RTOS or bare-metal systems.
• Ability to read schematics and work with hardware teams.
• Strong debugging and hardware interaction skills.
• Analytical and systematic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded firmware in C for STM32-based systems.
• Design and implement real-time software for drones and aerospace apps.
• Build low-level drivers, interfaces, bootloaders, and HAL.
• Implement fault detection, watchdogs, redundancy, failsafe features.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers for bring-up and validation.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware-software interactions with scopes and debuggers.
• Contribute to safety-critical development processes and docs.
• Support architecture discussions and technical decisions for embedded platforms.
• Ensure firmware reliability and deterministic real-time behavior.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C programming

STM32

RTOS/bare-metal

Hardware interaction

Debugging

Real-time systems

Schematic reading

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer/Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Debuggers

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

*We are the architects of the physical experience. As part of our R&D-driven Electronics Department our Hardware Team turns visionary ideas into high-performance technology. In our enthusiastic and high-energy environment, we have the tools, the talent and the passion to engineer first-class products that lead the global market.*

Your Mission

*As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer you will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing software for real-time embedded systems in our platforms. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, systems engineers, and flight software teams to deliver robust and secure embedded solutions.*

*You will design and develop low-level embedded firmware for safety-critical drone systems. You will own real-time firmware components running on STM32-based platforms, enabling reliable communication, control, and fault-handling capabilities in mission-critical environments. You will work close to the hardware, contributing to system integration, debugging, and safety-oriented embedded architecture in compliance-driven development environments.*

Responsibilities

• *Develop embedded firmware in native C for STM32-based embedded systems*
• *Design and implement real-time software for safety-critical drone and aerospace applications*
• *Build low-level drivers, communication interfaces, bootloaders, and hardware abstraction layers*
• *Implement robust fault detection, watchdog, redundancy, and failsafe mechanisms*
• *Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to support board bring-up, validation, and system integration*
• *Analyse and troubleshoot complex hardware-software interaction issues using oscilloscopes, debuggers, and logic analysers*
• *Contribute to safety-critical development processes, verification activities, and technical documentation*
• *Support architecture discussions and technical decision-making for embedded platform development*
• *Ensure firmware reliability, maintainability, and deterministic real-time behaviour under demanding operating conditions*

Required Skills

• *Bachelor's Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.*
• *5+ years of embedded firmware development experience*
• *Strong native C programming skills in embedded or low-level environments*
• *Hands-on experience with STM32 microcontrollers*
• *Experience developing real-time embedded systems using RTOS or bare-metal architectures*
• *Ability to read schematics and collaborate effectively with hardware engineering teams*
• *Strong debugging and hardware interaction skills using embedded development and measurement tools*
• *Strong systematic and analytical thinking skills*

Nice-To-Have

• *Experience with IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or DO-178C environments*
• *Fluent English and German, preferably at C1/C2 level or above*
• *SIL2, functional safety, or equivalent safety-critical software development experience*
• *Exposure to drone, avionics, robotics, or autonomous systems development*
• *Experience working within regulated or high-reliability industries such as defence, aerospace, automotive, railway, industrial automation, or medical devices*

Equal Opportunity:

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.

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.

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