Lead Flight Test Engineer

About the role

As a Lead Flight Test Engineer and Onsite Test Coordinator, you will manage the end-to-end lifecycle of flight test campaigns, from initial planning and hazard assessment to execution and data analysis. You will serve as the primary onsite leader, coordinating the crew and ensuring testing priorities are clear while maintaining a safe and disciplined environment. Your role involves transforming raw flight data into actionable insights to support the development of autonomous defence platforms.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical authority for the Flight Test Engineering pillar across field engineering, back-office engineering, and data analyst tracks.
• Manage test planning methodology, including test cards, instrumentation plans, telemetry stacks, and post-flight data reviews.
• Oversee FRR and TRR processes and the engineering compliance evidence pipeline for design organization approval.
• Serve as the Flight Director equivalent on major campaigns.
• Manage the engineering interface with GNC, autonomy, and avionics teams.
• Lead the engineering career path, including selection, mentoring, and promotion.

Required skills

• Aerospace Engineering
• Flight Test
• Team Leadership
• Test Planning
• German
• English

Nice to have

• Flight Dynamics
• Control Systems
• Autonomy
• Loitering Munitions
• STANAG 4671
• PX4
• ArduPilot

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering
• Equivalent practical experience

About the Company

Stark is a defence technology company that develops AI-driven autonomous defence platforms and software for NATO Allies and partners. The company focuses on innovation in autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms within a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment.