GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager

Skdse
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📍 Berlin; Munich, Bavaria
Core Avionics (FCS HW)

About this role

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

You will own the flight control and navigation stack that keeps our autonomous platforms stable, predictable, and precise — from first power-on to final approach (GNC = Guidance, Navigation, Control) . This isn't a maintenance role: you're building the control and state-estimation foundation that every other system on the platform depends on, while growing a team of engineers who can own that responsibility with you. Success looks like a navigation and control stack that performs reliably under the demanding, contested conditions our systems are built for.

 

Responsibilities

  • Lead and grow a fast-expanding team of engineers working on flight control, guidance, and state estimation

  • Facilitate and execute the technical direction for the STARK autopilot stack: control theory (PID/LQR/MPC), sensor fusion architecture, state estimation (EKF/UKF), and real-time performance

  • Partner with hardware, perception, and systems engineering teams to ensure navigation performance holds end-to-end, not just in isolation

  • Own technical roadmap planning for your domain and represent it to your Director and cross-functional stakeholders

  • Bring software engineering best practices to the team such as the C4 architecture model, clean code principles and software design patterns

  • Moderate the peer review process with the team and ensure knowledge sharing and across different seniorities

  • Drive hiring, mentoring, and career development for your team as well as ways of working together

  • Report on technical risk, schedule, and capacity to leadership

  • Drive test and validation strategy, from simulation and HIL testing through live trials

 

Required Skills

  • 7+ years of software (robotics) engineering experience in the domain of GNC (guidance, navigation, and control)

  • 3+ years in a leadership role (Team Lead, Head of, Engineering Manager, or equivalent) with direct people management experience

  • Provent track record of deploying robotics software application into production environment

  • Strong knowledge about the GNC domain

  • Fluent English; German is a plus

 

Nice-To-Have

  • Proven track record taking autonomous systems with GNSS-denied navigation system from design to production fielded, flight-tested products

  • Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or comparable open-source autopilot stacks

  • Background in aerospace, robotics, or MINT programs

  • Exposure to systems operating in contested or degraded environments

  • Prior experience scaling a technical team in a startup or fast-growing engineering org

  • Familiarity with MIL-STD or STANAG-aligned development practices

If you're interested in building the future of European defence with us and you see yourself reflected in the description above, please send us your CV in English. We’re looking forward to meeting you.

 

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager position at Skdse?
The salary for this GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager role at Skdse is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager position at Skdse located?
This GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager role at Skdse is based in Berlin; Munich, Bavaria. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
How do I apply for the GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager position at Skdse?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to Skdse's official application portal hosted on arbeitnow where you can submit your application directly.
When was the GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager job at Skdse posted?
This GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager position at Skdse was posted on Oct 13, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
GNC / Autopilot Engineering Manager
Skdse
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