UAV Pilot / GCS Operator - Production & Validation (All Genders)

STARK; München; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence in Germany seeks a UAV Pilot / GCS Operator to join our production flight testing team. You will be the final gatekeeper of quality and safety, working with Flight Test Engineers to execute and report production flight tests, ensuring systems meet performance specs.

You will monitor telemetry, validate autonomous behaviors, and provide data to iterate. This role requires EU remote pilot certs, BVLOS experience, strong English communication, and the ability to manage a $100k+ asset

Qualifications

• Proven experience with structured test procedures for UAVs.
• Ability to maintain high situational awareness during long test sessions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with BVLOS flight safety protocols and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct remote piloting and GCS operation for production‑level unmanned aircraft.
• Execute standardized flight test programmes with high repeatability and precision to validate system performance.
• Monitor live telemetry and onboard video streams in real‑time, ensuring flight conditions stay within the test envelope.
• Coordinate with observers and test engineers to maintain safe, efficient operations in a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Test procedures

Situational awareness

English communication

BVLOS knowledge

Tools

GCS software

Mission planning tools

Telemetry monitoring

ArduPilot

PX4

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

As a UAV Pilot / GCS Operator, your mission is to be the final gatekeeper of quality and safety. Working alongside Flight Test Engineers, you will lead the execution and reporting of production flight tests. Your role is to ensure that every system leaving our facility meets our rigorous performance standards and design specifications.

You will spend your days at the intersection of production and operations, monitoring live telemetry, validating autonomous behaviors, and providing the engineering team with the data they need to iterate. You aren't just operating a drone; you are certifying a capability that will be deployed in the world’s most demanding environments.

Responsible

Production Flight Execution

• Conduct remote piloting and GCS operation for production‑level unmanned aircraft.
• Execute standardized flight test programmes with high repeatability and precision to validate system performance.
• Monitor live telemetry and onboard video streams in real‑time, ensuring flight conditions remain within the test envelope.
• Coordinate with observers and test engineers to maintain safe, efficient operations in a collaborative team environment.

System Preparation & Maintenance

• Perform pre‑flight configurations, control link verifications, and comprehensive functional system checks.
• Assist in the ground verification of flight‑critical hardware and software before takeoff.
• Maintain rigorous logbook standards and regulatory recordkeeping for every airframe tested.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Act as the tactical lead for airspace monitoring and deconfliction in accordance with SORA and EASA requirements.
• Respond decisively to flight anomalies and emergency situations by following established safety protocols.
• Contribute to the evolution of pilot training materials, safety documentation, and operational procedures.

Your First 12 Months

Timeframe

Focus

Month 0–1: Learn & Align

Complete STARK flight safety induction. Get hands‑on with our GCS software and internal production standards. Shadow senior pilots during production runs.

Month 1–3: Standard Operations

Begin executing independent production test cards. Master the pre‑flight and post‑flight documentation workflow. Provide your first technical feedback on system behavior.

Month 3–6: Operational Mastery

Own the production flight schedule for specific airframe batches. Support BVLOS test campaigns and contribute to risk assessment updates for new test sites.

Month 6–12: Path to Seniority

Mentor junior GCS operators. Assist in the validation of new autopilot tuning (Ardupilot/PX4) and begin the development pathway toward the Test Pilot role.

Required Skills

Experience & Certifications

• Valid EU A1/A3 and A2 Remote Pilot Certificates (EASA).
• Valid radio operator certificate (e.g., BZF) or willingness to obtain one.
• Proven experience with professional GCS software, mission planning tools, and telemetry monitoring.
• Familiarity with flight safety protocols, particularly under BVLOS conditions.
• Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations).

Technical Background

• High degree of comfort with structured, high‑discipline test procedures.
• Ability to maintain deep situational awareness during long test sessions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with regulatory recordkeeping and post‑flight documentation.

Mindset & Style

• Precision‑Oriented: You find satisfaction in repeatability and "doing it right every time."
• Reliable: You are the person the team trusts to handle a $100k+ asset with care and discipline.
• Agile: You can pivot quickly when weather or production schedules shift.

Bonus Skills

• Previous experience as an RPIC for experimental drone testing.
• Practical knowledge of Ardupilot or PX4 autopilot systems.
• Background in military UAV operations or the defense sector.

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‑representred. 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.