Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer (Control)

Permanent employee, Full-time · Thessaloniki

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’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.

Your mission

Reporting directly to the Head of the Control Team, the Autonomous System Engineer will drive the development of GNSS-denied navigation, guidance, and terminal autonomy for unmanned aerial systems. This role is central to enabling reliable autonomous operations in contested and degraded environments, from perception-driven navigation to closed-loop terminal guidance.

Responsibilities

Design and implement guidance laws (e.g. proportional navigation, pursuit)
Develop control systems (PID, LQR, MPC, adaptive control) for aerial and mobile platforms
Build closed-loop autonomy pipelines integrating perception → state estimation → guidance → control
Implement real-time autonomy algorithms in C++ within ROS2 frameworks
Translate mission-level objectives into tactical and executable control strategies
Model system dynamics (aerodynamics, kinematics, actuator constraints)
Develop and integrate software with embedded flight control systems
Perform system-level debugging across the full autonomy stack
Support SIL/HIL simulations and real-world flight testing
Produce technical reports, validation results, and performance analyses

Qualifications

Strong foundation in mathematics (linear algebra, differential equations, optimization)
Deep expertise in control theory (PID, state-space control, optimal control)
Experience with missile guidance laws (e.g. proportional navigation, missile guidance concepts)
Background in robotics / computer engineering / aerospace
Strong C++ programming skills (real-time systems)
Hands-on experience with ROS2
Experience with embedded systems / flight controllers
Ability to design and analyze closed-loop systems
Strong debugging, system analysis, and performance evaluation skills

Nice to Have

Experience with model predictive control (MPC) or advanced control strategies
Familiarity with nonlinear system modeling and simulation
Experience with UAVs, missiles, or high-dynamics autonomous systems
Knowledge of sensor fusion and navigation integration
MATLAB / Python for simulation and prototyping
Experience with Monte Carlo simulation and robustness analysis
Physics background (double major is a strong advantage)

If you are not living in Greece and open to relocating from another EU country we are able to offer relocation allowance for this position.

If you´re intersted 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!

Recruiter for this position

For further information, please reach out to talent@stark-defence.com

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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.

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We are looking forward to hearing from you!

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