Load & Stress Engineer (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.

Your Mission

As a Load & Stress Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of UAV systems throughout the design, production, and testing lifecycle. You will perform classical hand calculations and advanced finite element analyses to size, validate, and optimize structural components under static and dynamic loading conditions. Working closely with mechanical design, manufacturing, and test teams, you will provide rapid, data-driven feedback to support design improvements, resolve non-conformities, and assess production or test anomalies.

Responsibilities

• Perform rapid hand calculations for initial component sizing and quick verification.
• You will create, validate, and maintain Finite Element (FE) models for both static and dynamic calculations.
• Provide continuous, data-driven feedback to the mechanical design team to optimize structural components and systems.
• Give Guidance to engineering and production decisions regarding non-conformities using rapid analytical troubleshooting.
• You will actively support ground and flight test activities, including hands-on, real-time support when required.

Required Skills

• Degree in aerospace engineering, aviation management, aviation safety, or a related technical field. Military aviation training backgrounds are welcome.
• 3–5 years experience in aviation safety, flight operations, UAS operations, or regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of EASA Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and the SORA methodology. You may not have led a full SORA submission independently, but you understand the framework, the 10-step process, and the relationship between GRC, ARC, SAIL, and OSOs.
• Experience with aviation documentation systems: operations manuals, flight logs, safety reports, or qualification records.
• Familiarity with Safety Management System principles (ICAO Annex 19 or equivalent). Formal SMS training is a plus but not required if you have practical exposure.
• Business-fluent English required. German is a strong advantage.
• You will be exposed to regulatory complexity that most professionals encounter much later in their careers. You actively seek to understand, not just to execute. Ask “why” before you ask “how.”

Equal Opportunity

At Stark Defence, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team. We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. If you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications—ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points. We value unique perspectives, adaptability, and a drive to solve high-stakes challenges.

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.