Senior Software Engineer – Integration and Deployment (All Genders)

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners

with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments. We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions. WHY JOIN US The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty. You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms. We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

ABOUT THE TEAM

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer (All Genders) to serve as the technical face of Minerva Frontline to our internal hardware teams, pilot customers, and program partners. In this role, you will bring Frontline into new internal and customer projects, take ownership of technical integration, and build trust through technical excellence rather than project management. We support each other as a team and work closely across disciplines to achieve our mission. When something fails in the field, you will be on-site to diagnose and resolve the issue under time pressure, working directly alongside the customer. YOUR MISSION You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, and operational reality: setting up the C++ backend that orchestrates UAV swarms, integrating new platforms into live systems, and ensuring command-and-control processes function seamlessly in isolated, bandwidth-constrained tactical environments.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

AT STARK Install, configure, and commission Minerva Frontline in customer operational environments, working with edge hardware, restricted networks, and tactical infrastructure. Integrate new UAV platforms and features into the Frontline platform, serving as the technical on-site lead for complex system issues. Analyze and resolve real-time problems including swarm telemetry degradation, gRPC connectivity issues, and MAVLink command translation errors. Translate feedback from operators, pilots, and customers into concrete technical requirements, collaborating closely with engineering teams to implement improvements and platform integrations. Participate in flight tests and trial campaigns to validate that software commands are reliably and accurately executed by physical drones under field conditions. Develop custom tooling, scripts, diagnostic tools, and test environments to make deployments reproducible, efficient, and robust. Work directly with hardware engineers, drone platforms, and test equipment on regular deployments to customer sites and test grounds.

WHAT YOU BRING

TO THE MISSION Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++17/20/23) with proven experience reading, debugging, and customizing production C++ codebases. Hands-on experience building, deploying, and operating complex real-time distributed systems using technologies such as gRPC, Flatbuffers, WebSockets, MAVLink, or MAVSDK. Demonstrated track record of deploying software solutions to external customers and collaborating with hardware teams during flight tests and platform integrations. Willingness to travel regularly within Germany (up to 40%).

NICE TO HAVE

Experience with ROS / ROS 2, PX4, ArduPilot, or autonomous robotics systems. Previous experience in the defence sector, aerospace, or with military unmanned systems. Proficiency with containerization and CI/CD tools tailored for edge devices (Docker, Podman, Yocto, embedded Linux, systemd). Familiarity with tactical mesh networking, RF communications, or bandwidth-constrained radio link protocols. Active German / NATO security clearance or prior experience working in security-cleared environments. 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!

SECURITY CLEARANCE Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

DATA PRIVACY STATEMENT This data privacy statement, which refers exclusively to data collected as part of the online application process, is to inform you about how your personal data that is collected as part of the online application process is handled at our end. The controller The controller under data protection law is: SKD SE Französische Strasse 12, 10117 Berlin Commercial register entry number: HRB 260878 Registration Court: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg Data Protection officer: heyData GmbH, Schützenstraße 5, 10117 Berlin, www.heydata.eu , ----- Personal data collected as part of the application process Personal data means any information concerning the personal or material circumstances of an identified or identifiable individual. This includes information such as, for example, your name, address, telephone number and date of birth, but also data relating to your specific career etc. by reference to which a specific individual can be identified with reasonable effort.