Software Engineer – Embedded Systems & Backend (All Genders)

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

Job summary

Stark Defence is seeking a versatile Software Engineer specializing in embedded systems, backend development, and low-level communication services. You will drive deployment tooling for mission-critical systems and build overlays for specialized OS on ARM64.

You will collaborate with firmware and electronics teams, develop Python and Go backends, and maintain GitLab CI/CD pipelines. Experience with embedded Linux, hardware interfaces (UART/CAN/SPI/I²C) and multi-architecture builds is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with embedded Linux distributions and hardware-to-software communication protocols.
• Proven track record in maintaining production-critical tools and supporting internal teams.
• Strong background in CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows.

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).

Skills

Python

Go

Embedded Linux

OS overlays

CI/CD

GitLab

Linux

Hardware communication

GitLab CI

Jetson

RPi

ROS2

GCP

C++ basics

Tools

GitLab

Linux

Docker

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.

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.

While bringing strong foundational skills in CI/CD and deployment workflows, your primary focus will be on embedded software development, system-level integrations, and C++/Go/Python backends.

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.