Operations Manager - Flight Test (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 Us

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. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.

Your mission

As Operations Manager at STARK, you will own the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of flight test campaigns. You are the person who takes a test objective, assembles the right people and equipment, deploys to a test range anywhere in Europe, and brings the team home with clean data and no incidents. You will directly manage teams of 6–8 flight test personnel and coordinate up to 20 people on-site, serving as the single operational authority during active campaigns. This is a hands-on leadership role at the intersection of project management, flight operations, and stakeholder coordination. You will work with military ranges, national aviation authorities, and airspace agencies across multiple countries. We need someone who thrives in ambiguity, makes sound decisions under time pressure, and keeps people safe while pushing the pace of testing.

Responsibilities

Campaign Planning & Execution

• Plan, prepare, and execute 1–2 week flight test campaigns from initial scoping through post-campaign reporting, including logistics, personnel deployment, and equipment readiness.
• Act as the operational lead on-site, making real-time decisions on scheduling, test sequencing, and resource allocation in response to evolving conditions.
• Adapt campaign plans dynamically when requirements, weather, airspace, or technical constraints change.
• Produce post-campaign reports documenting test outcomes, deviations, lessons learned, and recommendations for future campaigns.

Team Leadership & On-Site Management

• Directly manage a core team of 6–8 flight test personnel during campaign deployment, owning task assignment, daily briefings, and performance oversight.
• Serve as the on-site project manager for up to 20 people, coordinating across engineering, software, safety, logistics, and customer or partner personnel.
• Foster a disciplined but adaptive team culture where safety standards are non-negotiable and initiative is encouraged.

Stakeholder & Authority Coordination

• Act as primary point of contact with local and national aviation authorities, military stakeholders, and airspace management agencies for the duration of each flight campaign.
• Coordinate range access, airspace reservations, NOTAMs, and communication plans with military test ranges and civil airspace authorities.
• Build and maintain working relationships with range safety officers, military liaison personnel, and regulatory counterparts across multiple countries.

Your First 12 Months

Timeframe Focus What This Looks Like Month 0–1 Onboard & Orient Complete STARK safety induction and flight operations briefing. Shadow the Lead Flight Ops Manager during active campaign planning. Learn all current test platforms, range relationships, and operational procedures. Attend your first test campaign as an observer alongside the existing team. Month 1–3 Own a Campaign Plan and lead your first flight test campaign end-to-end, from logistics preparation through on-site execution and post-campaign reporting. Establish yourself as primary point of contact with range safety officers and local aviation authorities. Begin building your own playbook for campaign planning and execution. Month 3–6 Scale & Standardise Run multiple campaigns in parallel or quick succession across different test locations. Formalise campaign planning templates, checklists, and risk assessment frameworks. Lead coordination with international test ranges and foreign aviation authorities. Begin managing cross-border logistics for campaigns outside Germany. Month 6–12 Lead the Tempo Own the full campaign calendar as STARK’s operational tempo accelerates. Mentor junior team members deploying on campaigns. Represent STARK independently in front of military stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement of campaign operations based on lessons learned across the first year.

Qualifications Required

• 3–6 years of experience in flight operations, flight test, military aviation, UAS operations, or operational project management in a technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing small teams of 4+ people in field or deployed settings, ideally in aviation, defence, or similarly high-stakes operational contexts.
• Familiarity with flight operations and flight safety principles, including risk assessment, crew briefings, and emergency procedures.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and adapt campaigns under time and resource pressure. Formal PM qualifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum) are a plus.
• Excellent communication skills in English (business-fluent required). German is a strong advantage.

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.