Senior Radar Navigation Engineer (All Genders)

Stark Defence; München; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence is seeking a Senior Radar Navigation Engineer to lead radar-based navigation and mapping in GNSS-denied environments. You will develop real-time radar odometry, integrate with our autonomy stack, and push algorithms from research prototypes to production in C++.

You will collaborate with sensor and test engineers in a fast-paced, multinational team, and contribute to the safe operation of autonomous defence platforms across challenging environments.

Qualifications

• State estimation concepts (SLAM) required.
• 3D geometry, coordinate frames and kinematics knowledge.
• Real-time C++ experience essential.
• Prototyping in Python or MATLAB
• English fluency; German a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop radar odometry and radar-inertial state estimation for GNSS-denied environments.
• Build real-time 3D maps from radar and enable obstacle avoidance for autonomy stack.
• Apply SLAM, factor-graph and probabilistic estimation in embedded real-time systems.
• Define interfaces with radar signal processing and integrate with autonomy, embedded software and test teams.
• Transition algorithms from research prototypes to production C++ code; analyze field data for performance.
• Take ownership of radar-based navigation capability and drive its evolution at STARK.

Skills

State estimation / SLAM

C++ real-time

Python / MATLAB

English fluency

German knowledge

NATO citizenship

Education

Master's or PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or comparable field

Tools

GTSAM

Ceres

ROS2

Job description

Senior Radar Navigation Engineer (All Genders)

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

Our Perception and AI team is responsible for how STARK's unmanned systems perceive their surroundings and know where they are. We are a multidisciplinary group of software and navigation engineers developing perception and navigation algorithms for resource-constrained platforms. As a member of this team, you will collaborate closely with sensor, autonomy and test engineers in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Together, we make sure our systems navigate and operate reliably in contested environments, even when GNSS is not available.

Your Mission

As a Senior Radar Navigation Engineer at STARK, you will lead the development of radar-based navigation and mapping: estimating how our systems move and what surrounds them, without relying on GNSS. Your ultimate goal is to deliver motion estimates and 3D maps that our autonomy stack can depend on in the most demanding conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop radar odometry and radar-inertial state estimation for position, velocity and orientation in GNSS-denied environments.
• Build real-time 3D mapping of the surroundings from radar detections and extract the information our autonomy needs for obstacle avoidance.
• Apply SLAM, factor-graph and probabilistic estimation methods within the constraints of embedded, real-time systems.
• Define the measurement interface with our radar signal processing engineers and integrate your work with autonomy, embedded software and test teams.
• Take algorithms from research prototypes to production C++, and analyse field data to characterise performance and failure modes.
• Constantly challenge requirements and take ownership of radar-based navigation as a capability at STARK.

What We Are Looking For

• You have taken state estimation, localisation or navigation algorithms into production on real-world robotic, automotive or aerospace systems.
• Deep understanding of state estimation — SLAM, Kalman filtering, Bayesian estimation, factor graphs — and of 3D geometry, coordinate frames and kinematics.
• Strong C++ for real-time systems; Python or MATLAB for prototyping and analysis.
• Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a comparable field.
• Fluent English; German is a plus.
• Citizenship of a NATO member state.

Nice to Have

• Radar odometry or radar-based mapping; lidar or visual odometry also counts
• GTSAM, Ceres or similar optimisation libraries
• Deployment on resource-constrained embedded compute
• Alternative navigation methods and navigation sensor calibration
• ROS2 and experience with field testing

Relevant Backgrounds

Deep expertise in state estimation matters more to us than meeting every single requirement. You might come from robotics research on radar or lidar SLAM, automotive localisation, aerospace navigation or autonomous systems.

Why STARK

• Impact: Your work directly strengthens the autonomy of STARK systems and the technological edge of European defence.
• Innovation: Work in a builder culture where you take radar-based navigation from first concept to field deployment.
• Growth: Shape how STARK navigates with radar from the ground up and grow with the capability.
• Collaboration: Join a multi-national team of navigation, perception, radar and test engineers where practical solutions count.

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.