About Us STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising 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. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems, not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe today. Your mission You will lead system-level integration for a next-generation Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), ensuring all mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems operate as a single, mission-ready platform. As a Principal / Senior Systems Engineer you will define architecture and interfaces, manage integration and verification activities, and drive system validation through flight and acceptance testing. Responsibilities Serve as the system integration lead for UAS product development and upgrades, owning overall platform coherency from concept through delivery. Work day-to-day within multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, avionics, software, test) across the full lifecycle of UAS design, integration, test and fielding. Conceptualise and capture system architecture for new platforms and for enhancements to existing vehicles, producing technical trade studies, sizing and system performance assessments. Produce layout and system design plans, define Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and enforce interface control processes for mechanical, electrical and software subsystems. Establish and maintain requirements baselines and traceability using industry tools (e.g., IBM DOORS) and MBSE approaches. Lead Verification & Validation (V&V) and acceptance activities: author test plans and procedures for critical subsystems, develop test scripts, schedule and run tests, and compile written test reports. Support bench builds and hardware integration, and conduct hands-on vehicle testing (VLOS/BVLOS) including travel to test ranges and customer sites as required. Act as the technical interface between internal teams, suppliers and customers to coordinate payload integration, unique/custom hardware or software interfaces, and ensure on-time capability delivery. Perform data analysis to maximise uptime: review flight/test telemetry, identify trends and failure modes, and contribute to predictive maintenance / reliability improvements. Manage tactical engineering tasks during development sprints and test campaigns, resolving cross-discipline issues and maintaining configuration control. Qualifications Degree (or equivalent) in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical or a closely related Engineering discipline. Significant industry experience with demonstrable systems engineering responsibility on UAV/aerospace or equivalent complex platforms. Strong practical experience integrating complex systems: power systems, RF/EMC, EO sensors, networking, flight controllers and payload interfaces. Hands-on build, prototyping and troubleshooting experience with robotic or aircraft hardware; comfortable using basic electronics test equipment. Proven track record in requirements capture, compliance analysis and verification/validation activities; proficient with requirements management tools (IBM DOORS or similar). Familiarity with MBSE principles, interface control processes and configuration management in regulated environments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; highly organised and detail-oriented. Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and to travel within the UK/Europe for testing and integration. A genuine passion for system development, integration and testing and a collaborative, inclusive team approach. Security-cleared or eligible to obtain UK defence clearance. Desirable Prior experience leading V&V programmes and authoring safety assurance documentation and risk management artefacts. Experience integrating complex/custom payloads for partner or customer use (hardware, electrical and software interfaces). Background in start-up or scale-up environments where rapid prototyping, iterative testing and pragmatic engineering decisions are typical. About us LEGAL DISCLAIMER 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, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.