QA Engineer - Maritime Systems (all genders)

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

Job summary

STARK Defence UK is seeking a Maritime GTM specialist to ensure our AI-enabled, software-defined platforms are ready-to-integrate into allied naval architectures. You will translate MoD/NATO requirements into engineering specifications, ensure compliance with evolving standards (e.g., NATO STANAGs) and develop commercial models for fleet maintenance, software updates and refits.

Applicants should have 7+ years in Maritime Defence or Aerospace and be eligible to obtain high-level security

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering or related STEM field.
• 7+ years in Maritime Defence or Aerospace with complex System-of-Systems experience.
• Deep familiarity with NATO STANAGs, Open Architecture standards or IMO regulations.
• Proven ability to translate MoD/DoD operational needs into engineering specs.
• Navy technical branch or major Defence Prime experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Translate MoD/NATO needs into concrete engineering specifications.
• Ensure Stark’s systems are compliant with evolving standards (e.g., NATO STANAGs) to prevent vendor lock-in and facilitate rapid fleet scaling.
• Develop the commercial models ensuring that fleet maintenance, software updates, and engineering refits in all contracts.
• Design commercial models that ensure software updates and engineering refits are baked into the heart of every contract.
• Refining the Product Roadmap depending on the needs of the customer and working with the engineering team to ensure we are following the market needs.

Skills

Maritime defence experience

System-of-Systems architectures

NATO STANAGs familiarity

Open Architecture standards

MoD/DoD requirements translation

Security clearance eligible

Education

BS/MS in Systems Engineering/Naval Architecture/Electrical Engineering or related STEM

Job description

STARK is a European defence technology company founded in 2023, specialising in the development and production of advanced UAV and USV systems for modern military operations. Our flagship platform, Virtus, is a next-generation VTOL loitering munition system, and we are rapidly expanding our software and autonomy capabilities to deploy Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for maritime surveillance and security.

We're 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:

Martime Team

Your mission:

As our Maritime GTM specialist, will ensure that Stark’s AI-enabled, software-defined platforms are not only technically superior but are engineered to be "ready-to-integrate" into complex Allied naval architectures.

Responsibilities:

• You will translate operational needs from sovereign MoDs and NATO authorities into concrete engineering specifications
• Ensure Stark’s systems are compliant with evolving standards (e.g., NATO STANAGs for unmanned systems) to prevent "vendor lock-in" and facilitate rapid fleet scaling
• Develop the commercial models ensuring that fleet maintenance, software updates, and engineering refits in all contracts
• Design commercial models that ensure software updates and engineering refits are baked into the heart of every contract
• Refining the Product Roadmap depending on the needs of the customer and working with the engineering team to ensure we are following the market needs

Qualifications:

• Engineering Degree: A BS or MS in Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field
• Domain Expertise: 7+ years of experience in Maritime Defence or Aerospace, specifically dealing with complex "System-of-Systems" architectures
• Standards Proficiency: Deep familiarity with maritime interoperability standards (e.g., NATO STANAGs for unmanned systems, Open Architecture standards, or IMO regulations)
• Proven track record of translating high-level MoD/DoD operational requirements into engineering-level functional specifications
• Former experience within a Navy technical branch or a major Defence Prime (Tier 1/2) is highly desirable
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain (or currently holding) high-level national security clearance

STARK Defence UK has achieved the ERS - The Defence Employer Recognition Bronze award 2026

Talent Contact:

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.