Tech Stack
Job Description, Responsibilities & Requirements
About the Position
Autopilot Engineer (Control)
Location: Berlin, Berlin, DE
Type: Full-time, Permanent employee
About Us
STARK is a pioneering defence technology company revolutionizing the deployment of autonomous systems across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. Our mission is to provide NATO Allies and their Partners with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.
Your Mission
As an Autopilot Engineer, you will develop, adjust, and maintain flight controller firmware and autopilot systems that ensure stable, reliable, and high-performance control of unmanned platforms under real-world operational constraints.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain autopilot firmware for all systems (PX4-based systems)
- Develop and customize our systems for all platforms
- Implement and tune low-level control loops (PID, LQR, rate, attitude, and actuator control)
- Work directly with flight controllers (MCU-based systems) and embedded hardware
- Develop and integrate sensor drivers (IMU, barometer, magnetometer, GPS, air data)
- Optimize real-time performance on constrained systems (NuttX / RTOS environments)
- Interface high-level autonomy (ROS2) with low-level autopilot systems (MAVLink / DDS bridges)
- Perform hardware-software integration, calibration, and validation
- Support pre-arm checks, safety systems, and failsafe mechanisms
- Debug issues across firmware, drivers, and hardware layers
- Conduct HIL/SIL testing and real-world flight tests
- Document system architecture, tuning procedures, and validation results
Requirements
- Integrated Master's (Dipl. Eng.) or higher in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or Applied Mathematics & Physical Sciences (TEMFE).
- Strong foundation in mathematics and physics (dynamics, kinematics)
- Deep understanding of flight dynamics and control principles
- Hands-on experience with PX4 systems, ArduPilot (ArduCopter, ArduPlane), iNav, Betaflight, AuterionOS, and MAVLink Protocol
- Experience with flight controllers and embedded microcontrollers (MCUs)
- Strong C/C++ programming skills (embedded / real-time systems)
- Experience developing low-level firmware and sensor drivers
- Familiarity with IMU, barometer, magnetometer, GNSS, air data sensors
- Understanding of real-time operating systems (e.g. NuttX)
- Experience with system integration and hardware debugging
- Strong debugging and performance tuning skills
Nice to Have
- Experience with ArduPilot or PX4 internals (uORB, WorkQueues, modules)
- Knowledge of uXRCE-DDS, or ROS2 integration
- Experience with hardware bring-up and PCB-level debugging
- Familiarity with redundant IMU architectures and sensor voting
- Experience with high-shock environments
- Understanding of safety-critical systems and failsafe design
- MATLAB / Python for control tuning and analysis
We Offer
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence technology
- Collaborative and innovative work environment
- Professional growth and development opportunities
About the Company
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.
If you’re interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected in the description above, please send us your CV in English. We’re looking forward to meeting you!