Senior Embedded Software Engineer (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 Senior Embedded Software Engineer you will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing software for real-time embedded systems in our platforms. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, systems engineers, and flight software teams to deliver robust and secure embedded solutions. 

You will design and develop low-level embedded firmware for safety-critical drone systems. You will own real-time firmware components running on STM32-based platforms, enabling reliable communication, control, and fault-handling capabilities in mission-critical environments. You will work close to the hardware, contributing to system integration, debugging, and safety-oriented embedded architecture in compliance-driven development environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded firmware in native C for STM32-based embedded systems
• Design and implement real-time software for safety-critical drone and aerospace applications
• Build low-level drivers, communication interfaces, bootloaders, and hardware abstraction layers
• Implement robust fault detection, watchdog, redundancy, and failsafe mechanisms
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to support board bring-up, validation, and system integration
• Analyse and troubleshoot complex hardware-software interaction issues using oscilloscopes, debuggers, and logic analysers
• Contribute to safety-critical development processes, verification activities, and technical documentation
• Support architecture discussions and technical decision-making for embedded platform development
• Ensure firmware reliability, maintainability, and deterministic real-time behaviour under demanding operating conditions

• Bachelor's Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. 
• 5+ years of embedded firmware development experience
• Strong native C programming skills in embedded or low-level environments
• Hands-on experience with STM32 microcontrollers 
• Experience developing real-time embedded systems using RTOS or bare-metal architectures
• Ability to read schematics and collaborate effectively with hardware engineering teams
• Strong debugging and hardware interaction skills using embedded development and measurement tools
• Strong systematic and analytical thinking skills

Nice-To-Have

• Experience with IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or DO-178C environments
• Fluent English and German, preferably at C1/C2 level or above
• SIL2, functional safety, or equivalent safety-critical software development experience
• Exposure to drone, avionics, robotics, or autonomous systems development
• Experience working within regulated or high-reliability industries such as defense, aerospace, automotive, railway, industrial automation, or medical devices

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.