Head of Technical Project Management

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.

To drive mission success by ensuring our R&D powerhouses can stay focused on innovation, we are looking for a Head of Technical Project Management. Reporting directly to the Director of Mission Delivery and Operations, you will be the tactical engine room of our software and hardware programs.

Your primary goal is to build and lead a high-performing project management team that bridges the gap between complex R&D and flawless execution. By facilitating internal technical projects and leading high-stakes customer-facing initiatives that span multiple programs, you are the leader who turns engineering complexity into a streamlined path to delivery.

As the Head of Technical Project Management, you are the architect of the processes that keep our technical teams moving at light speed. Your mandate is to:

• Build and Lead a unified technical project management team that facilitates collaboration across software and hardware R&D domains.

• Relieve the burden from Program Managers, allowing them to focus on technical R&D while your team handles the complexities of project lifecycle management.

• Drive Multi-Program Delivery, leading customer-facing projects that require the synchronization of multiple internal workstreams to achieve excellent results.

• Design the frameworks and technical processes that turn bespoke customer needs into repeatable, scalable project successes.

• Keep teams aligned and executing flawlessly when stakes are at their highest.

Core Responsibilities

1. Build and Lead the PM Office

Your focus is on creating a dedicated team of technical project managers who act as force multipliers for the entire organization.

• Team Orchestration: Personally identify and land top-tier project management talent to scale the delivery and solutions engineering functions.

• Project Management OS: Define the "Stark Way" for technical project execution, ensuring projects are delivered with consistency, speed, and precision.

• Capacity Optimization: Manage the allocation of PM resources across software and hardware teams to ensure no R&D bottleneck occurs.

2. Facilitate Cross-Functional R&D Synthesis

You are the connective tissue between hardware engineering, software development, and the strategic "why" of our mission.

• Hardware/Software Integration: Lead the synchronization of hardware and software R&D projects to ensure seamless integration and deployment of autonomous systems.

• Strategic Executive Alignment: Prepare high-velocity decision briefs and risk assessments for leadership, providing the operational clarity needed to make high-stakes calls.

• Stakeholder Trust: Build deep-rooted trust with internal engineering leads and external military partners to ensure project alignment with long-term goals.

3. Ensure Operational Visibility & Success

You are responsible for the visibility of every technical milestone, ensuring we scale without breaking.

• Data-Driven Oversight: Implement robust reporting frameworks and real-time dashboards to provide absolute visibility into project health and team performance.

• Tactical Feedback Integration: Establish feedback loops between frontline realities and R&D priorities to ensure our systems are battle-hardened.

• High-Impact Special Projects: Take full ownership of complex, cross-departmental product launches or emergency strategic shifts and drive them to completion.

• 7-10+ years of experience in technical project management or leadership, ideally within high-growth SaaS, GovTech, or deep-tech environments.

• Proven history of building and scaling teams from the ground up.

• A background in military service or the Cyber/IT domain is a strong plus.

• Deep exposure to hardware and software integration, robotics, or embedded systems.

Core Qualities

• The "Stark" Factor: You thrive under pressure and possess the "founder's grit" needed to build a department from a blank sheet of paper.

• Execution Focused: You possess the drive and capability to simply get things done.

• Crisp Communicator: You effortlessly distill complex technical contexts into simple, compelling written and spoken communication.

• Owner’s Mindset: You move with urgency, take full ownership, and relentlessly follow through until the result is delivered.

Tools & Mindset

• Proficient with modern tools like Jira, Confluence, and advanced planning/reporting platforms.

• Highly proactive, exceptionally structured, and capable of independently driving complex projects.

• A mature understanding of handling classified information and supporting B2G (Business-to-Government) customers.

Why Join STARK?

• Direct Impact: Work alongside senior engineering leaders who are shaping the future of cutting-edge autonomous defense systems.

• Trust and Responsibility: A high-trust environment offering significant responsibility and influence from Day One.

• Mission Critical: Your work directly contributes to urgent defense capabilities for NATO-aligned nations.

• Accelerated Learning: Experience a steep learning curve and unparalleled professional growth.