Manufacturing Engineer – Work Measurement & Process Optimization (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

You’ll be joining a hardworking, hands-on team that thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, takes ownership, and is committed to meeting ambitious deadlines. The team works closely across engineering and production, focusing on practical problem-solving, efficiency, and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality results.

Your Mission

As a Manufacturing Engineer (Generalist & MTM Specialist), you will focus on maximizing production efficiency, line balancing, and labor optimization. While you support broad manufacturing engineering topics, your superpower is using Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) to analyze manual operations, eliminate waste, and establish accurate standard times. You will ensure our shop floor operations are highly efficient, safe, and ergonomically sound.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Production Design Input: Partner with R&D during the initial prototyping and design phases to review manual assembly steps. Propose design modifications that simplify manual handling, reduce component orientation complexity, and minimize assembly errors.
• Predictive Labor Costing: Utilize MTM methodologies on early-stage CAD models and prototypes to estimate standard assembly times, helping R&D evaluate the labor-cost impact of different design variations.
• Mistake-Proofing (Poka-Yoke): Work with R&D to define physical design features (e.g., asymmetrical alignment pins, keyed slots) that make incorrect manual assembly physically impossible.
• Ergonomic Design Guidance: Ensure R&D designs avoid requiring excessive physical force, awkward hand postures, or specialized dexterity, protecting operators from repetitive strain injuries once the product hits mass production.
• Time & Motion Analysis: Apply MTM methodologies (MTM-1, MTM-2, or UAS) to analyze manual assembly operations, establish precise standard times, and eliminate waste.
• Line Balancing & Layout: Design and continuously optimize production line balancing to eliminate bottlenecks, distribute workloads evenly, and maximize throughput.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Certified MTM practitioner (strongly preferred) with proven experience applying time-study and work-measurement methodologies on a live production floor.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, workplace ergonomics, and facility layout design.

Nice-To-Have

• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, ideally within aerospace, defence, automotive, or other highly regulated industries.
• Hands-on experience with production line optimization, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and digital manufacturing tools to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.

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.