Autonomous Systems Engineer (Control)

About Us

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. 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.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in mathematics (linear algebra, differential equations, optimization)
• Deep expertise in control theory (PID, state-space control, optimal control)
• Experience with missile guidance laws (e.g. proportional navigation, missile guidance concepts)
• Background in robotics / computer engineering / aerospace
• Strong C++ programming skills (real-time systems)
• Hands-on experience with ROS2
• Experience with embedded systems / flight controllers
• Ability to design and analyze closed-loop systems
• Strong debugging, system analysis, and performance evaluation skills

Nice to Have

• Experience with model predictive control (MPC) or advanced control strategies
• Familiarity with nonlinear system modeling and simulation
• Experience with UAVs, missiles, or high-dynamics autonomous systems
• Knowledge of sensor fusion and navigation integration
• MATLAB / Python for simulation and prototyping
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulation and robustness analysis
• Physics background (double major is a strong advantage)

If you´re intersted 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!

Recruiter for this position

For further information, please reach out to talent@stark-defence.com

Your mission

Reporting directly to the Head of the Control Team, the Autonomous System Engineer will drive the development of GNSS-denied navigation, guidance, and terminal autonomy for unmanned aerial systems. This role is central to enabling reliable autonomous operations in contested and degraded environments, from perception-driven navigation to closed-loop terminal guidance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement guidance laws (e.g. proportional navigation, pursuit)
• Develop control systems (PID, LQR, MPC, adaptive control) for aerial and mobile platforms
• Build closed-loop autonomy pipelines integrating perception → state estimation → guidance → control
• Implement real-time autonomy algorithms in C++ within ROS2 frameworks
• Translate mission-level objectives into tactical and executable control strategies
• Model system dynamics (aerodynamics, kinematics, actuator constraints)
• Develop and integrate software with embedded flight control systems
• Perform system-level debugging across the full autonomy stack
• Support SIL/HIL simulations and real-world flight testing
• Produce technical reports, validation results, and performance analyses