Quality Management Lead

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.

We’re 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.

• Define, implement, and continuously improve the company-wide Compliance and Quality framework in alignment with ISO9001, EN/ISO 9100, AQAP-2105, and applicable defense standards.
• Establish STARK’s Quality Management Strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, industrial scaling needs, and regulatory requirements.
• Own and manage the Quality Management function budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support scaling operations.
• Prepare and lead the ISO9001 certification audit
• Act as the primary executive-level interface with NATO, GQARs, and national authorities on all compliance and regulatory matters.
• Ensure robust implementation of quality management compliance processes across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain, including audits, corrective actions, and governance reviews.
• Define and monitor company-level compliance KPIs (e.g., audit performance, nonconformity rates, regulatory adherence), reporting insights to executive leadership.
• Ensure readiness for audits, inspections, product acceptance, and certification activities across customers and regulatory bodies.
• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

• 5+ years of experience in Compliance, Quality, or Regulatory roles within aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.
• Proven track record of building and leading Compliance or Quality functions at company level, ideally in scaling or industrialising environments.
• Deep expertise in ISO9001, EN/ISO 9100, AQAP-2105, and NATO regulatory and contracting requirements.
• Strong experience with supplier compliance, manufacturing environments, and configuration management in complex systems (e.g., UAVs, missiles, aerospace subsystems).
• Demonstrated success in leading audits and acting as senior interface with government and defense customers.
• Experience managing and developing teams, with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Hands-on mindset combined with strategic thinking and the ability to operate in fast-paced scale-up environments.
• Proficiency working in German & English language is a must.