Director of Flight Control Systems (All Genders)

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners  with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments. We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions. WHY JOIN US The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty. You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms. We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing. ABOUT THE TEAM The Flight Control Systems team at Stark is responsible for safety-critical architectures, control laws, and integrated flight software across autonomous defense platforms. Working closely with systems engineering, aerodynamics, and software teams, we bridge theoretical control theory and field-tested hardware deployment. Our mission is to ensure robust, high-performance, and resilient flight behavior in highly dynamic and contested environments. YOUR MISSION As Director of Flight Control Systems (FCS), reporting directly to our VP of Hardware, you will lead the end-to-end development, verification, and qualification of next-generation flight control architectures. You will define the technical roadmap, build and mentor an elite team of control and software engineers, and oversee safety-critical flight law implementation from initial modeling to flight testing. WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK Lead and scale the Flight Control Systems team, setting engineering standards, performance goals, and development roadmaps. Drive the architectural design of fly-by-wire flight control software, sensor fusion algorithms, and actuation control loops. Oversee Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and verification frameworks. Collaborate with systems engineering and flight test crews to validate control system performance during flight test campaigns. Ensure compliance with safety-critical aerospace and defense standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, or military flight clearance frameworks). Interface with internal cross-functional leadership and external partners to align system requirements with platform capabilities. WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Theory, or a related technical field. Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams in flight control systems or safety-critical aerospace development. Deep expertise in flight dynamics, control laws development (PID, LQR, H-infinity, adaptive control), and MATLAB/Simulink modeling. Hands-on background in auto-code generation, embedded C/C++ development, and flight software integration. Track record of taking flight control systems from initial concept through ground and flight testing. NICE TO HAVE Experience with autonomous defense platforms or unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Familiarity with military certification processes and flight test safety protocols. Knowledge of modern software development practices (CI/CD, automated testing, Git). If you're interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We're looking forward to meeting you!   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 proc