VP Counter-UAS – Lead for Counter-Drone/Missile Systems

(S)VP Counter-UAS – Lead for Counter-Drone/Missile Systems

Permanent employee, Full-time · Munich, Berlin

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing how 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 — giving NATO operators a decisive edge in contested environments.

We deliver deployable capability today, not distant promises. In an era of rising threats, STARK is strengthening the technological advantage of NATO Allies and Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.

Your mission

Build STARK's Counter-UAS program from the ground up.

That means taking proven building blocks — sensors, effectors, data links, C2, and decision-support software — and turning them into a deployable, maintainable operational system.

You'll own the end-to-end integration, fielding, and delivery roadmap across multiple European test sites, working directly with internal engineering teams (radar, RF, autonomy, embedded SW) and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional delivery of the Counter-UAS system — from requirements definition to field validation.
• Define integration plans for radar, EO/IR, EW, and effector subsystems into a unified command architecture.
• Translate user needs (military, industrial, or infrastructure) into fieldable technical baselines.
• Establish program milestones, supplier oversight, and compliance with NATO STANAGs and export-control requirements.
• Coordinate live test campaigns, demonstration builds, and rapid-iteration hardware updates.
• Manage risk, reporting, and schedule with direct accountability to the CTO and Head of Engineering.
• Build and mentor a lean, high-velocity delivery team — technicians, integration engineers, and field ops specialists.
• Act as primary technical interface to NATO and government partners for Counter-UAS initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in aerospace/defence, with deep expertise in counter-UAS, air defence, or missile defence.
• Proven track record of delivering complex, operational defence systems.
• Strong systems engineering and program leadership experience.
• Background in unmanned systems and/or defence sensing (radar, EO/IR, RF, EW).
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing engineering and program teams.
• Excellent communication skills with both military decision-makers and technical stakeholders.
• Eligible for NATO/EU security clearance.

What Success Looks Like

• First deployable Counter-UAS demonstrator operational within 12 months.
• Integrated kill-chain (detect-track-decide-defeat) validated against live threats.
• Repeatable architecture for scaling into follow-on production programs.
• A culture of disciplined execution without bureaucratic drag decisions made fast, systems shipped faster.

Ideal Profile

• Proven record of leading complex defence or aerospace systems from concept through field deployment.
• Background in one or more of: C2 systems, radar/RF integration, EW, or autonomy.
• Fluent understanding of sensor-fusion architectures, kill-chain logic, and operational resilience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams — mechanical, electrical, and software.
• Prior work with NATO or European defence programs is a strong advantage.
• Hands-on mentality: capable of translating strategy into field execution without layers of process.

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About us

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

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, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.