Expert Autopilot Engineer

Permanent employee, Full-time

• Berlin, Munich

About Us
STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing 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. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

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.

Your mission

Reporting directly to the Head of the Control team, as an Autopilot Engineer you will help develop/customize autopilot firmware for autonomous system operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and customize autopilot firmware to enable reliable, safe, and robust autonomous operations across multiple mission profiles and environments.
• Implement and maintain low-level drivers for onboard sensors and actuators (e.g., IMU, payload interfaces), ensuring accurate data acquisition and real-time performance.
• Integrate autopilot functionality with AI-based autonomy, perception, and mission-planning systems, enabling adaptive behaviors.
• Develop and maintain interfaces and communication layers (e.g., MAVLink) between the autopilot, flight controller, ground control systems, and higher-level autonomy stacks.
• Conduct system-level testing, debugging, and validation of autopilot firmware, including fault analysis and performance optimization on real hardware.
• Integrate and validate autopilot software in simulation environments, including Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), to support rapid iteration and safe deployment.
• Contribute to architecture and design decisions related to flight control, autonomy, safety mechanisms, and redundancy.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (AI, systems engineering, hardware, testing, and operations) to ensure seamless system integration and mission readiness.
• Identify technical risks, propose mitigation strategies, and help resolve complex engineering challenges throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support continuous improvement of development processes, coding standards, documentation, and testing methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• 10–15 years of professional experience in autopilot, flight control, or embedded software development for autonomous systems, UAVs, or comparable safety-critical platforms.
• Deep expertise in MAVLink protocol, including custom message development and system integration.
• Strong hands-on experience with PX4 firmware architecture, customization, and deployment.
• Advanced proficiency in C++ for embedded and real-time systems, and Python for tooling, scripting, and simulation workflows.
• Excellent understanding of microcontrollers and real-time operating systems (RTOS), including timing constraints, scheduling, and resource management.
• Solid knowledge of flight dynamics, control theory, avionics, and state estimation as applied to autonomous aerial systems.
• Proven ability to debug complex, multi-layered systems involving hardware, firmware, and software interactions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset; ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute positively to team culture.

Nice to Have

• Drone Pilot License or hands-on operational experience with UAVs.
• Experience with safety-critical or defense-grade systems, including redundancy, fail-safe mechanisms, and certification-oriented development.
• Familiarity with GNSS-denied navigation, sensor fusion, or contested-environment operations.
• Experience working with hardware bring-up, custom flight controllers, or new sensor platforms.

If you´re interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We´re looking forward to meeting you

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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.

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