Product Manager

STARK; Swindon; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK is recruiting a Product Manager for Maritime to own the development of software-defined maritime capabilities and complex sensor suites. You will drive integration by closely coordinating with System Engineering, Project Delivery, and Operations teams to translate operational needs into scalable platforms.

The role focuses on delivering NATO-aligned maritime systems, overseeing prototype through deployment, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across products.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of maritime operations and sensor integration.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and navigate regulatory requirements.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end development of software-defined maritime capabilities and sensor suites.
• Direct integration of advanced sensors and autonomous software across teams.
• Drive testing strategies (SITL, HITL, full HW/SW integrations) in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead market analysis to identify platform opportunities for NATO allied forces.
• Manage the complete product lifecycle from prototype to deployment and customer acceptance.
• Enforce safety and compliance standards across the maritime product portfolio.
• Communicate product vision and milestones to internal and external partners.

Skills

Maritime operations

Sensor integration

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory navigation

Education

Engineering or CS degree

Tools

SITL

HITL

Job description

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective — providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments.

We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems — not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe, today.

ABOUT THE TEAM

STARK's maritime division is at the forefront of autonomous surface and subsea innovation. We are building the next generation of modular, sensor-integrated maritime platforms designed to dominate in complex, contested environments. You will work closely with cross-functional teams of systems engineers, naval architects, and software developers to bridge the gap between cutting-edge engineering and operational deployment. Our team values rapid iteration, technical rigour, and a bias for action in everything we build.

YOUR MISSION

As Product Manager for Maritime, you own the development of STARK’s software-defined maritime capabilities and complex sensor suites. You will direct the integration of these systems by driving high-tempo collaboration with System Engineering, Project Delivery, and Operations teams. Your mission is to translate tactical operational requirements into dominant, mass-scalable platforms that ensure NATO maritime superiority.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the end-to-end development of software-defined maritime capabilities and mission-critical sensor suites.
• Direct the integration of advanced sensors and autonomous software by leading collaboration across System Engineering, Project Delivery, and Operations teams.
• Drive product testing strategies—including Software-in-the-Loop (SITL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), and full hardware/software integrations) in lockstep with System Engineering, Project Delivery, and Operations teams.
• Lead strategic market analysis to identify and capture platform opportunities for NATO allied forces.
• Manage the complete product lifecycle from prototype to deployment and customer acceptance.
• Enforce rigorous safety and compliance standards across the maritime product portfolio.
• Communicate product vision and strategic milestones to internal stakeholders and external defence partners.

WHAT YOU BRING

Required

• Technical degree (e.g. Maritime/Systems Engineering, CS) or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of maritime operations and sensor integration.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and navigate regulatory requirements.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a UK security clearance.

Nice to Have

• Experience with naval projects or autonomous/robotic platforms.
• Background in defence-tech or rapid-growth aerospace.
• Experience working in a V-model while maintaining agile development pace.