UAV Test Pilot (all genders)
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
21 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
About Us
STARKis 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 a time of rising threats STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.
Your mission
As aUAV Test Pilotat STARK you are the critical link between digital design and physical reality. Working in lockstep with Flight Test Engineers you will be responsible for the planning execution and reporting of flight tests for experimental developmental and modified production systems.
Your mission is to push our airframes to their limits to validate performance ensure compliance with international standards and prove the safety of our designs. You arent just flying drones you are validating the next generation of autonomous flight technologies that will protect Europe. Whether you are executing high-performance manual maneuvers or monitoring complex BVLOS autonomous missions your feedback will directly shape the software and hardware of the future.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Flight Operations & Execution
Conduct remote piloting of unmanned aircraft during development and validation campaigns often infull-manual modeto test the raw flight envelope.
Execute flight tests with surgical precision according to the flight test programme.
Monitor live telemetry and onboard video streams maintaining total situational awareness of aircraft health and test status.
Coordinate seamlessly with GCS operators observers and engineers in a high-pressure team environment.
Test Planning & Preparation
Contribute operational expertise to test site selection flight profiles hazard analysis and weather constraints.
Prepare UAV systems including pre-flight configuration control link verification and functional system checks.
Assist with the integration and ground verification of flight-critical hardware and software.
Safety Regulatory & Documentation
Act as the final authority on safety for each sortie conducting risk assessments and responding to anomalies or emergency situations.
Maintain airspace deconfliction in accordance with SORA and EASA regulatory requirements.
Participate in briefings/debriefings providing structured technical feedback on aircraft behavior.
Support licensing and documentation to build long-term test capabilities across Germany and Europe.
Your First 12 Months
Timeframe | Focus |
Month 01: Onboarding | Master the STARK tech stack. Get familiar with our current airframes GCS software and safety protocols. Complete local site inductions and shadow existing flight operations. |
Month 13: Integration | Begin executing standard test cards. Support the engineering team in ground-testing new components and take your first stick time with experimental prototypes. |
Month 36: Mission Lead | Lead flight test campaigns for specific subsystem validations. Contribute significantly to SORA applications and expand our operational footprint in Europe. |
Month 612: Advanced Testing | Execute complex BVLOS and high-performance envelopes. Start transitioning toward Flight Test Engineering (FTE) tasks including data analysis and test director responsibilities. |
Qualifications
Experience & Certifications
ValidEU A1/A3 and A2 Remote Pilot Certificates(EASA).
Valid radio operator certificate (e.g.BZF) or the ability to obtain one immediately.
Demonstrable manual piloting skills ofhigh-performance fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs(precision take-offs landings and maneuvering in tight spots).
Experience with professional GCS software mission planning tools and telemetry monitoring.
Must be a citizen of a NATO member state(due to export control and security regulations).
Technical Mindset
Familiarity with test operations under BVLOS and experimental conditions.
Skilled in maintaining situational awareness during long complex multi-aircraft operations.
A problem-solving mindsetyou dont just report a bug; you help the engineers find the why.
Excellent written and verbal communication inEnglish.
Mindset & Style
Disciplined:You follow test cards to the letter but stay agile when a plan changes last minute.
Reliable:High attention to detail with a safety-first internal compass.
Startup Ready:You thrive in a fast-paced environment where your role evolves as the company grows.
Nice to Have
Previous experience as a Flight Test Engineer or holding a PPL/CPL/ATPL.
Hands-on experience tuningArdupilot or PX4autopilot systems.
Background in military UAV operations or defense contracting.
Why STARK
Shape the Future:A unique opportunity to influence the trajectory of autonomous flight tech.
Fast-Paced Growth:Flat hierarchies and a decision-heavy environment no red tape just results.
The Best Tools:Access to cutting-edge drone hardware and dedicated test facilities.
Career Path:Development pathway toward Senior Flight Test Engineer or Test Director roles.
Competitive Package:Salary that reflect your value to the mission.
Recruiter for this position
About us
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.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Quality Assurance
- Transportation Management Systems
- Data Collection
- Military Experience
- Agriculture
- Federal Aviation Regulations
- Library Services
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- LMS
- Teaching
- Exercise Planning
- Aviation Experience
About Company
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 pro ... View more
