Sensors Systems Engineer (All Genders)

STARK; München; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK in Munich seeks a Sensor Systems Engineer to architect the platform's physical perception systems, focusing on EO/IR cameras, IMUs, and Lidar. You will own the hardware lifecycle from optical specs to lab interfaces, delivering ruggedized sensor payloads optimized for SWaP.

Collaborate with optics, hardware, and autonomy teams in a fast-paced, defence-grade environment requiring security clearance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or closely related field.
• Strong understanding of imaging systems and IMUs.
• Experience with hardware suppliers and vendor specifications.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end physical and electronic integration of EO/IR cameras, IMUs, lenses, and gimbals.
• Define optical specifications (focus, FOV, MTF) for platform sensors.
• Use C++ to interface with sensor SDKs and ensure robust data flow to embedded compute modules.
• Script hardware tests, automate lab equipment, and analyze sensor data using C++ and Python.
• Perform intrinsic and extrinsic calibration to align IMUs with optical axes.

Skills

C++ for hardware interfacing

Python for test automation

Imaging systems (EO/IR)

IMU integration

Hardware debugging tools

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Optical/Mechatronics/Physics

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Multimeters

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

Our perception team is responsible for the “eyes and inner ear” of STARK’s unmanned aerial vehicles. We are a multidisciplinary group of hardware, optical, and software engineers dedicated to integrating cutting‑edge sensors into resource‑constrained platforms. As a member of this team, you will collaborate closely with mechanical designers and autonomy engineers in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment. Together, we ensure our UAVs can reliably navigate and perform in the most demanding and extreme conditions.

Your Mission

As a Sensor Systems Engineer , you will be the architect of our platforms’ physical perception systems, focusing heavily on the integration of EO/IR cameras, IMUs, and Lidar. You will take ownership of the entire hardware lifecycle, from defining optical specifications to debugging high‑speed electrical interfaces in the lab. Your ultimate goal is to deliver highly optimized, ruggedized sensor payloads that push the limits of Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP).

Responsibilities

• Evaluateand manage technical relationships with external sensor and optics suppliers, reviewing complex datasheets to ensure components meet strict mission parameters.
• Definecore optical specifications (e.g., focal length, Field of View, MTF) leveraging a deep understanding of optical physics and system‑level requirements.
• Ownthe end‑to‑end physical and electronic integration of EO/IR cameras, IMUs, lenses, and gimbals into our platforms.
• UseC++ code to interface directly with sensor SDKs and ensure robust data flow to the embedded compute modules.
• Scripthardware tests, automate optical lab equipment, and analyze sensor data pipelines utilizing C++ and Python.
• Executeintrinsic and extrinsic calibration routines to align IMUs with optical axes.
• Navigatecomplex design trade‑offs with cross‑functional teams to balance optical resolution against strict weight, thermal, and power constraints.

Required Skills

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Deep understanding of applied optics, including lens selection, camera architectures, sensor formats, and radiometric performance.
• Experience handling hardware suppliers, vetting vendor specifications, and driving technical procurement decisions.
• Strong foundational knowledge of imaging systems (EO and IR cameras) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs).
• Proven hands‑on experience using hardware diagnostic tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters) to debug low‑level hardware issues.
• Practical programming experience writing C++ for hardware interfacing and Python for test automation.

Nice‑To‑Have

• Familiarity with high‑speed video interfaces such as MIPI CSI-2, GMSL, or FPD-Link.
• Experience using optical lab equipment (collimators, calibration targets) or conducting environmental testing (shock, vibration, thermal).
• Familiarity with ROS2.
• Previous experience working in the defence, aerospace, or autonomous vehicle sectors.

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.