Senior Mechanical Engineer (All Gender)

STARK; Berlin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK, a European defence technology company, seeks an experienced mechanical design engineer to own the Gambit airframe packaging. You will design carbon-composite structures, folding mechanisms, and lightweight bays to survive field handling and mass production.

You will lead airframe structures and perform FEA, drive DFM for composites and machining, and oversee structural qualification tests while mentoring CAD teams for robust designs.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in aerospace mechanical design or UAV structures.
• Experience bringing mechanical systems from clean-sheet CAD through tooling and flight qualification.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or CATIA with FEA experience.
• Professional working proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Aerospace design

UAV structures

Lightweight robotics

Finite element analysis

GD&T proficiency

English proficiency

Mass production mindset

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Ansys

Nastran

SolidWorks Simulation

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.

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).

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.