As a Senior Test Rig & Ground Test Engineer, you will establish and own the ground testing capability behind our next-generation loitering munition systems. Your mission is to design, plan, and deliver the test rigs and ground test infrastructure that enable us to validate critical subsystems and accelerate development into production.

You will translate system requirements into robust mechanical test stand concepts, produce detailed designs, and work closely with production engineers and mechanics to manufacture, assemble, and commission them. You will be the technical owner of these rigs - ensuring they are safe, fit-for-purpose, and capable of delivering high-quality test data.

This role blends deep engineering design, hands-on test operations, and cross-functional technical leadership. You’ll collaborate with systems engineering, electronics, software, and manufacturing to ensure our loitering munition meets performance, reliability, and military qualification standards (including relevant STANAGs).

Your work will directly shape how fast and how confidently we can bring world-class defence systems into the hands of operators.

Test Rig Design & Ownership

• Design and architect ground test rigs for UAV and munition subsystems (e.g. airframe, launcher interface, control surfaces, propulsion, structural elements).

• Define load paths, mechanical interfaces, rig functionality, actuation concepts and safety requirements.

• Ensure rigs meet required stiffness, load capacity, repeatability, and safety standards.

Test Rig Manufacturing & Commissioning

• Work closely with production engineers, machinists, and mechanical technicians to manufacture and assemble rigs according to your design.

• Provide build oversight, clarify design intent, support manufacturability adjustments, and ensure correct setup on the shop floor.

• Lead rig commissioning, functional checkouts, load verification, and readiness reviews.

Ground Testing Operations

• Plan and execute ground test campaigns, including structural, functional, environmental, and subsystem tests.

• Define and implement instrumentation and data acquisition (strain gauges, load cells, accelerometers, DAQ systems).

• Collaborate with electronics and software teams to integrate rigs into HIL/SIL test environments when required.

• Analyze test results, provide clear reporting, and propose corrective actions or design improvements.

Standards, Safety & Documentation

• Align all test activities with relevant military qualification standards (STANAGs, environmental, safety & arming, transport/storage).

• Create rigorous test procedures, risk assessments, and safety documentation.

• Maintain full traceability between system requirements, rig capabilities, and test outcomes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with system engineers, mechanical designers, manufacturing, electronics, and software to ensure test coverage aligns with program needs.

• Drive clarity on what needs to be tested, why, and how.

• Serve as the internal authority for all matters related to ground test infrastructure.

Your First 12 Months:

Experience

• 5–15+ years in aerospace, mechanical test engineering, structural testing, ground test rig design, or similar fields.

• Experience designing complex mechanical test rigs or subsystems (aerospace, defence, UAVs, robotics, or automotive testing).

Technical Background

• Strong mechanical design foundation: CAD (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks), load calculation, structural design, and fixture/rig architecture.

• Experience in instrumentation and DAQ systems (ALTAIR Suite).

• Familiarity with HIL/SIL concepts and ability to integrate mechanical rigs with electronics and software environments.

• Knowledge of military or aerospace qualification standards, STANAG familiarity is a strong plus.

• Understanding of UAV or munition architecture is beneficial; willingness to learn is essential.

Mindset & Working Style

• Highly hands-on in testing and rig commissioning, even if you don't machine parts yourself.

• Strong ownership mentality: you design, you drive, you deliver.

• Structured, safety-minded, and rigorous in documentation.

• Strong communicator who can explain complex technical topics clearly.

• Mission-driven, pragmatic, with a bias for fast iteration and practical solutions.

Bonus Skills

• FEA experience for rig stiffness/load checks.

• Background in defence, UAVs, or munition systems.

• Exposure to environmental testing, shock/vibration, or qualification labs.

Why STARK:

• Build the entire test rig and ground test capability for one of Europe’s most advanced defence systems.

• Work at the intersection of aerospace engineering, hardware testing, and defence innovation.

• Collaborate with exceptional engineering teams shaping the future of unmanned systems.

• Be part of a mission that truly matters: strengthening Europe’s defence and technological edge.