Senior Embedded Software Engineer (All genders)

About the role

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising 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 — providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments.
We are 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.
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer you will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing software for real-time embedded systems in our platforms. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, systems engineers, and flight software teams to deliver robust and secure embedded solutions. 
You will design and develop low-level embedded firmware for safety-critical drone systems. You will own real-time firmware components running on STM32-based platforms, enabling reliable communication, control, and fault-handling capabilities in mission-critical environments. You will work close to the hardware, contributing to system integration, debugging, and safety-oriented embedded architecture in compliance-driven development environments.
Develop embedded firmware in native C for STM32-based embedded systems

Design and implement real-time software for safety-critical drone and aerospace applications

Build low-level drivers, communication interfaces, bootloaders, and hardware abstraction layers

Implement robust fault detection, watchdog, redundancy, and failsafe mechanisms

Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to support board bring-up, validation, and system integration

Analyse and troubleshoot complex hardware-software interaction issues using oscilloscopes, debuggers, and logic analysers

Contribute to safety-critical development processes, verification activities, and technical documentation

Support architecture discussions and technical decision-making for embedded platform development

Ensure firmware reliability, maintainability, and deterministic real-time behaviour under demanding operating conditions

Bachelor's Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

5+ years of embedded firmware development experience

Strong native C programming skills in embedded or low-level environments

Hands-on experience with STM32 microcontrollers

Experience developing real-time embedded systems using RTOS or bare-metal architectures

Ability to read schematics and collaborate effectively with hardware engineering teams

Strong debugging and hardware interaction skills using embedded development and measurement tools

Strong systematic and analytical thinking skills

Experience with IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or DO-178C environments
German language  skills for collaboration with customers and procurement stakeholders
SIL2, functional safety, or equivalent safety-critical software development experience
Exposure to drone, avionics, robotics, or autonomous systems development
Experience working within regulated or high-reliability industries such as defense, aerospace, automotive, railway, industrial automation, or medical devices