Flight Test - Intern (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 GCS Operator, you are the person flying the mission. You plan each sortie and operate Virtus from the Ground Control Station (GCS) throughout the flight, from launch to recovery, making sure every test delivers the data our engineers need.

Your seat at the GCS is the same one our customers sit in. Soldiers are trained to operate Virtus within a few weeks; we expect more from you. You will go beyond standard operation: managing configuration changes in the GCS software, diagnosing and resolving issues while the aircraft is airborne, and keeping a clear, calm line of communication with the safety pilot at all times. Your feedback directly shapes how the product looks and feels for the operators who will rely on it in the field.

As you grow in the role, you will also help train others, both internal colleagues and customer operators, passing on the operational know-how that only comes from real flight hours.

Responsibilities

• You plan missions for flight test campaigns, translating test objectives from our Flight Test Engineers (FTEs) into flight plans, waypoints, and contingency procedures.

• You operate Virtus from the GCS during flight, monitoring aircraft state, telemetry, and link health, and executing the test cards safely and precisely.

• You manage configuration changes in the GCS software and verify that software versions, parameters, and payload settings match the planned test configuration.

• You troubleshoot in flight, recognising anomalies early, assessing options quickly, and taking the right action together with the safety pilot and FTE.

• You maintain clear, disciplined communication with the safety pilot and the rest of the flight line, following established crew procedures and callouts.

• You set up and check out the GCS and communication equipment before each flight, and support pre-flight checks and the overall readiness of the aircraft.

• You document every flight, including flight logs, anomaly reports, and operator observations, so that engineering can act on what happened in the air.

• You provide structured feedback on GCS usability, workflows, and operator procedures to the product and software teams, representing the customer's perspective.

• As an experienced operator, you act as a trainer for internal staff and customer operators, and help develop training material and standard operating procedures.

Required Skills

• You have hands-on experience operating UAS from a Ground Control Station, whether in a military, commercial, or flight test environment.

• You are comfortable planning missions, including routing, airspace considerations, and contingency/emergency procedures.

• You have a solid technical understanding of UAV systems (avionics, datalinks, payloads, and flight control modes) and are confident working with GCS software configurations.

• You stay calm and structured under pressure and can troubleshoot problems in real time while the aircraft is in the air.

• You communicate clearly and concisely, and you understand the importance of crew coordination and a disciplined flight line.

• You are happy to work outdoors in various conditions, travel to test sites, and handle the fast-paced, iterative nature of a defence-tech startup.

• You have strong communication skills in English; German is a plus.

Nice-To-Have

• You have a background as a military UAS operator or in a comparable operational role.

• You have experience training or instructing other operators.

• You have exposure to flight testing, test cards, or experimental/developmental aircraft.

• You have experience working with flight logs, telemetry analysis, or UAV communication systems.

• You hold a relevant UAS licence or certificate (e.g. EASA Specific category, STS, or military equivalent).

• You are eligible for, or already hold, a national security clearance.

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 process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.