Software Engineer – Embedded Systems & Backend (All Genders)

STARK; Berlin; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence seeks a versatile Software Engineer specializing in embedded systems, backend development, and low-level communication services. You will lead the development of deployment tools and hardware interfaces for mission-critical systems used in defence platforms.

You will collaborate with firmware and electronics teams, build a Go backend, enhance Python tooling, and set up CI/CD pipelines. The role demands practical experience with ARM64 targets and Linux overlays in a

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python and Go required.
• Experience with embedded Linux, OS overlays and hardware–software interfaces.
• Experience maintaining production-critical tools and supporting teams.
• CI/CD pipelines in GitLab.

Responsibilities

• Lead Developer for Production Deployment Tools: maintain the main Python tool and provide tier-2/3 support.
• Architect and build the high-performance Go backend for deployment tooling.
• Develop custom OS overlays for specialized operating systems.
• Design hardware integration and communication services; test MCU hardware with firmware.
• Support driver compilation and Linux–MCU bridges (UART, CAN, SPI, I2C).
• Set up and maintain GitLab CI/CD pipelines for embedded overlays.
• Build Linux derivatives and dependencies for ARM64 targets; manage multi-architecture builds.

Skills

Python

Go (Golang)

Embedded Linux

OS overlays

Hardware communication protocols

CI/CD GitLab

Production tooling

Tier-2/3 support

Tools

GitLab

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.

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.

We are looking for a versatile Software Engineer specializing in embedded systems, backend development, and low-level communication services. In this role, you will drive the development of mission-critical deployment tools and build custom system overlays and hardware communication services for specialized operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Developer for Production Deployment Tools: Maintain and evolve the primary production deployment tool built in Python, serving as the main technical point of contact and support lead for internal teams.
• Next-Gen Deployment Tooling: Architect and build the high-performance Go backend for the next generation of deployment tools.
• Custom OS Overlays: Actively contribute to the development of custom overlays for specialized operating systems.
• Hardware Integration & Communication Services:
  • Design and implement communication services interfacing proprietary services.
  • Collaborate with firmware and electronics teams to integrate and test microcontrollers, sensor boards, and autopilot hardware.
  • Support driver compilation and communication bridges between Linux and MCU-level systems (UART, CAN, SPI, I²C).
• CI/CD Pipeline Management: Set up and maintain automated GitLab CI/CD pipelines for code repositories, specifically tailored to the embedded overlay projects.
• Build Linux-derivative operating systems and their dependencies for ARM64 targets.
• Manage build automation for multi-architecture targets (AMD64/ARM64).

Required Skills

• Core Languages: Strong proficiency in Python and Go (Golang).
• Embedded & System Focus: Experience with embedded Linux distributions, OS overlays, and hardware-to-software communication protocols.
• Tooling & Support: Proven track record in maintaining production-critical tools and providing tier-2/3 technical support.
• DevOps Basics: Solid experience setting up CI/CD pipelines in GitLab.

Nice-To-Have

• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or similar ARM64 SBCs.
• Awareness of ROS 2 (colcon, ament, uXRCE-DDS)
• Experience with GCP (Artifact Registry, Cloud Build, GCE instances)
• Base knowledge on a C++

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.