Senior Mechanical Engineer (All Gender)

STARK; Berlin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK, a European defence technology company in Berlin, seeks an experienced mechanical design engineer to own the Gambit airframe packaging—carbon-composite primary structures, folding mechanisms, and payload bays. You will craft a rugged, lightweight airframe optimized for mass production and field reliability.

You will lead airframe development from concept through qualification, supervise CAD work, and advance manufacturing integration for high-stress aerospace environments.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in aerospace mechanical design, UAV structures, lightweight robotics, or precision mechanisms.
• Proven experience bringing mechanical systems from clean-sheet CAD through tooling and flight qualification.
• Advanced proficiency in parametric 3D CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Expertise in composite design/manufacturing (prepreg, wet layup, bladder molding, sandwich panels).
• Proficiency in FEA tools (Ansys, Nastran, or SolidWorks Simulation) and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 / ISO 1101.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
• Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (export control and security regulations).

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of airframe structures, wing folding mechanisms, quick-release arms, and internal structural chassis.
• Perform FEA (structural, modal, thermal) and mass-property optimizations to meet strength-to-weight targets.
• Establish GD&T standards, tolerance stack-up analyses, and mechanical interface control documents.
• Drive Design for Manufacture (DFM) for carbon-fiber composites, CNC machined aluminum, injection-molded plastics, and 3D printing.
• Lead structural qualification tests (static load, drop testing, vibration per MIL-STD-810H).
• Mentor mechanical engineers through CAD reviews and prototyping iterations.

Skills

Aerospace mechanical design

UAV structures

Lightweight robotics

DFM / manufacturing integration

GD&T knowledge

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Nastran

SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

• Expertise in composite design/manufacturing (prepreg, wet layup, bladder molding, sandwich panels).

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.

STARK is a European defence technology company building the next generation of unmanned systems. Rapid scaling requires precision engineering and reproducible manufacturing that never compromise on mission reliability.

Your Mission

You own the structural, kinematic, and aerodynamic packaging architecture of the Gambit airframe — including carbon-composite primary structures, high-reliability folding mechanisms, and payload bays.

You aren't just designing mechanical components; you are architecting a rugged, lightweight tactical airframe that survives heavy field handling and aerodynamic loads while remaining simple to mass-produce.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of airframe structures, wing folding mechanisms, quick-release arms, and internal structural chassis.
• Perform FEA (structural, modal, thermal) and mass-property optimizations to meet stringent strength-to-weight targets.
• Establish GD&T standards, tolerance stack-up analyses, and mechanical interface control documents.
• Drive Design for Manufacture (DFM) for carbon-fiber composites, CNC machined aluminum, injection-molded plastics, and 3D printing.
• Lead structural qualification tests (static load, drop testing, vibration per MIL-STD-810H).
• Mentor mechanical engineers through CAD reviews and prototyping iterations.

Required Skills

• 5–8 years in aerospace mechanical design, UAV structures, lightweight robotics, or precision mechanisms.
• Proven experience bringing mechanical systems from clean-sheet CAD through tooling and flight qualification.
• Advanced proficiency in parametric 3D CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Expertise in composite design/manufacturing (prepreg, wet layup, bladder molding, sandwich panels).
• Proficiency in FEA tools (Ansys, Nastran, or SolidWorks Simulation) and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 / ISO 1101.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
• Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations).

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.

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.