Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (all genders)

About the role

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.
Architect and scale a global supplier quality ecosystem that creates a “zero-defect” gateway between Design and Series Production—building the systems, standards, and automated processes that enable multi-plant growth without increasing manual workload. Design, implement, and continuously improve global supplier quality processes within the QMS, including CAQ deployment and standardized inspection frameworks

Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, evaluation, audits, and ongoing performance monitoring

Own supplier non-conformance management (SCAR/CAPA), root cause analysis, and enforcement of Quality Assurance Agreements (QAA)

Drive APQP, PPAP, and FAIR processes, optimizing inspection resources through risk-based part categorization (Critical vs. Low Risk)

Act as the technical bridge between Engineering and Supply Chain, translating key characteristics and design intent into manufacturable supplier standards

Lead DFMEA and process risk reviews to prevent defects before series production (“Process Defense”)

Conduct on-site supplier audits to resolve systemic process failures and ensure ISO/industry compliance

Standardize global inspection plans to ensure consistent “Pass” criteria and trusted data across plants

Proactively mitigate supply chain risks impacting cost, delivery, and performance while reducing internal inspection effort

Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, environmental, and customer-specific requirements (e.g., REACH, RoHS, NATO, aerospace/defense standards) and mentor junior staff on low-risk validations

BSc/MSc in Mechatronics, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field

5+ years’ experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Management, or Supplier Development (aerospace, automotive, or defense preferred)

Proven expertise in supplier lifecycle management (evaluation, onboarding, FAI/PPAP approval, performance monitoring)

Strong hands-on knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and core quality tools (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, CAPA)

Experience conducting supplier audits and working within ISO 9001 (EN9100/VDA 6.3 desirable)

Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving capabilities in complex production environments

Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP QM), MS Office, and quality management software

Fluent English required; German advantageous; strong communication and stakeholder alignment skills

If you´re intersted 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!