UAV Systems Engineer

About the role

STARK is a European defence technology company founded in 2023, specialising in the development and production of advanced UAV systems for modern military operations. Our flagship platform, Virtus, is a next-generation VTOL loitering munition system that combines precision, autonomy, and reliability to deliver tactical superiority on the battlefield. The Hardware R&D Department is our company’s engineering "special forces," driving the future of UAV tech. We operate at the intersection of rapid prototyping and cutting-edge hardware, turning bold concepts into combat-proven, flight-ready hardware. Our team thrives on solving non-standard technical challenges, bypassing red tape, and pushing component performance to its absolute limits in extreme environments. As our Systems Engineer, you will be the core architect linking this hardware power to the bigger picture. You’ll align aerodynamics, schematics, and embedded software into a seamless, high-reliability UAV platform.This role connects system architecture with practical implementation, focusing on how electronic and mechanical subsystems work together as one functioning aircraft.Ensure reliable integration of all hardware components of UAV platforms — from avionics and power systems to payload and communication modules. System Design & Integration Develop and maintain system-level architecture focusing on hardware components (power, communication, avionics, payload, propulsion).
Define and document electrical, mechanical, and data interfaces between subsystems.
Support selection and validation of key components — sensors, controllers, converters, antennas, and wiring.
Coordinate integration of electronic modules into the airframe together with mechanical and electronics teams.
Prepare and maintain wiring diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), and BOMs.
Testing & Validation Plan and supervise integration, bench, and flight tests of hardware systems.
Identify and resolve issues related to signal integrity, power distribution, or mechanical fit.
Work with QA and Test teams to validate performance and reliability of hardware assemblies.
Analyze telemetry and test data to confirm system behavior.
Cross-team Coordination Collaborate with hardware, software, and production engineers to ensure system consistency.
Translate system-level requirements into implementable hardware tasks.
Participate in design reviews and contribute to risk analysis and mitigation.
5+ years of experience in system integration or hardware development (UAVs, robotics, or embedded systems).
Strong understanding of electronics fundamentals — power, sensors, communication interfaces (CAN, UART, Ethernet).
Familiarity with autopilots, flight controllers, and UAV subsystems.
Experience with wiring, harness design, and hardware assembly documentation.
Ability to read and create schematics and mechanical drawings.
Hands-on experience with prototype testing and debugging.
Intermediate and higher level of English.
Experience with UAV flight testing or telemetry systems.
Knowledge of EMI/EMC principles and power management.
Familiarity with Altium, SolidWorks, or similar design tools.
Understanding of system-level verification and validation processes.