Expert Autopilot Engineer

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.

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

• 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.

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Robotics Aerospace Engineering Software Engineering Computer Science or a closely related field.

• 1015 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 youre interested in building the future of European Defence with us and you see yourself reflected on the description above please send us yourCV in English.Were looking forward to meeting you!