Software Flight Test Engineer (All Genders)

Skdse; Berlin; On-site; EUR 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence in Germany is seeking a skilled UAV test engineer to design, execute, and analyze flight test campaigns for fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned systems, ensuring autonomous guidance and control algorithms perform under demanding conditions. You will serve as remote pilot, develop test procedures, and collaborate with Control and Perception teams to maintain safety and airspace compliance.

Candidates should be certified UAV pilots, with strong knowledge of flight dynamics,

Qualifications

• Certified UAV pilot (fixed-wing or multirotor).
• Strong understanding of flight dynamics, control theory, aerodynamics.
• Experience with flight controllers.
• Ability to read schematics and debug hardware.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute flight tests for fixed-wing UAVs and copters.
• Act as remote pilot (RPAS) for experimental missions.
• Design test procedures for GNSS-denied navigation.
• Dynamic moving target engagements.
• High-wind and degraded sensor environments.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight system checks.
• Integrate payloads, sensors, telemetry, and safety systems.
• Analyze flight logs (EKF behavior, control loops, actuator response, energy usage).
• Debug hardware/software integration issues on-site.
• Design and build custom test rigs or mechanical/electrical modifications for experimental setups.
• Coordinate with Control and Perception teams.
• Enforce strict safety and airspace compliance standards.

Skills

UAV pilot

Flight dynamics

Control theory

Electrical systems

Flight controllers

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.

Your Mission

Design, execute, and analyze complex flight test campaigns for fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned systems, ensuring safe, repeatable, and performance-driven validation of autonomous guidance, navigation, and control algorithms under realistic and extreme operational scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute flight tests for fixed-wing UAVs and copters
• Act as remote pilot (RPAS) for experimental missions
• Design test procedures for:
  • GNSS-denied navigation
  • Dynamic moving target engagements
  • High-wind and degraded sensor environments
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight system checks (mechanical, electrical, firmware)
• Integrate payloads, sensors, telemetry, and safety systems
• Analyze flight logs (EKF behavior, control loops, actuator response, energy usage)
• Debug hardware/software integration issues on-site
• Design and build custom test rigs or mechanical/electrical modifications for experimental setups
• Coordinate with Control and Perception teams
• Enforce strict safety and airspace compliance standards

Required Skills

• Certified UAV pilot (fixed-wing or multirotor)
• Strong understanding of:
  • Flight dynamics
  • Control theory basics
  • Aerodynamics
  • Electrical systems (power distribution, ESCs, batteries)
  • Mechanical assembly and rapid prototyping capability
  • Ability to read schematics and debug hardware
  • Experience with flight controllers
  • Strong troubleshooting mindset

Nice-To-Have

• Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot
• Telemetry and log analysis skills
• Background in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• GNSS-denied flight experience
• EKF debugging knowledge
• ROS2 ecosystem familiarity
• Experience in high-risk flight testing
• Python/C++ scripting for analysis

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. If you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications—ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points. We value unique perspectives, adaptability, and a drive to solve high-stakes challenges.

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.