Description
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.
As a UAV Flight Test Pilot, you will be responsible for working with the Flight Test Engineers on planning, executing, and reporting on flight test results for our cutting-edge UAV platforms. You will work closely with our engineering, software, and production teams to validate system performance and contribute to the next generation of autonomous flight technologies.
- Conduct remote piloting of unmanned aircraft during development, integration, and validation test campaigns.
- Execute test cards precisely and safely in accordance with the flight test plan, under the supervision of test engineers or project leads.
- Support test planning activities by contributing operational input regarding test site selection, flight profiles, and weather constraints.
- Prepare UAV systems, including preflight configuration, control link verification, and functional system checks.
- Monitor live telemetry and onboard video streams, ensuring real-time awareness of flight conditions and test status.
- Participate in test briefings and debriefings, providing clear, structured feedback on aircraft behavior and system performance.
- Log the pilot’s observations, flight activities, and anomalies in a Flight Test Report, supporting traceability and post-flight analysis.
- Maintain situational awareness during all flight operations, including airspace monitoring and deconfliction in accordance with SORA or other regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with GCS operators, observers, and test engineers to maintain safe and efficient flight operations in a team environment.
- Assist with the integration and ground verification of flight-critical hardware and software in the test aircraft.
- Follow all safety protocols, conduct risk assessments, and respond appropriately to flight anomalies and emergency situations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts for flight operations procedures, safety documentation, and pilot training materials.
- Valid EU A1/A3 and A2 Remote Pilot Certificates in accordance with EASA regulations.
- Valid radio operator certificate (e.g. BZF) for airspace communication.
- Demonstrated manual piloting skills for fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs, including precision takeoffs, landings, and precise maneuvering in both open and constrained environments.
- Proven experience with professional ground control station (GCS) software, mission planning tools, and telemetry monitoring systems.
- Familiarity with test operations and flight safety protocols, especially under BVLOS and experimental conditions.
- Ability to adapt to rapidly evolving test environments, system configurations, and last-minute plan changes.
- Clear and effective verbal communication skills, including participation in flight briefings and debriefings with engineers and operations personnel.
- Skilled in maintaining situational awareness, even during long test sessions or complex multiaircraft operations.
- Comfortable with structured, high-discipline test procedures, including step-by-step execution of detailed test cards.
- Willingness to take direction from test conductors or engineers, and provide disciplined feedback and observations without improvising beyond scope.
- High personal reliability, with excellent attention to detail and risk awareness.
- Familiarity with logbook standards, regulatory recordkeeping, and post-flight documentation protocols.
