Front End Engineer (all genders)

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.

Minerva Frontline is STARK's command and control software — the brain that connects operators to autonomous systems across multiple domains in real time. The Frontline team is based across Europe & the UK, working with our hardware teams to build mission-critical C2 capabilities for use in active operational environments.

We move fast, ship real software, and operate under constraints most engineers never encounter — low-bandwidth networks, air-gapped devices, high-stakes decision loops. We are a tight-knit team of zero-ego, mission-driven developers. There is no room for abstraction for its own sake. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field.

If you want to build software which will make a tangible difference to the security of Europe, we want to hear from you.

We are seeking a highly skilled Frontend Engineer responsible for helping build state of the art mission management software for STARK’s Unmanned Systems.

As we scale our frontend team, we are looking for dedicated team players who can grow alongside us. Whether you are an ambitious developer eager to step up your impact, or a seasoned Senior Engineer ready to architect core systems and mentor junior peers, we provide the environment to expand your skills. Long-term, you will have the opportunity to shape our technical roadmap, own critical modules of Minerva Frontline, and help build out the frontend engineering chapter.

• Create Intuitive Interfaces: Build easy-to-learn, reliable, and attractive user interfaces for complex mission management software under demanding real-world constraints.

• Master the Native Web Platform: Design and implement highly performant, framework-less user interfaces using native Web Components (Custom Elements, Shadow DOM).

• Balance R&D and Production: Rapidly prototype new features (R&D) to get quick feedback from field testing, and systematically rewrite temporary scaffolds into rock-solid, well-structured, production-grade systems.

• Bridge Product and Code: Formulate clear, technical tickets from overarching user stories and epics to ensure smooth development cycles.

• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Act as a collaborative team player, working closely with the UI/UX team (e.g., for weapons engagement, target tracking, and map layouts) and Backend engineers for seamless software implementation.

• Solve Hard Problems: Dive deep into the details to identify, understand, and solve difficult technical rendering and telemetry challenges.

• Challenge the Status Quo: Constantly challenge requirements to determine what truly adds value to the operator in the field and what does not.

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, programming, or equivalent practical experience (we value actual skills, adaptability, and mindset over exact years on paper).

• Expert-level knowledge of vanilla TypeScript / JavaScript and the native Web Platform (DOM API, Event Loop, Performance Profiling).

• Hands-on experience or a deep interest in building scalable UI architectures using native Web Components, WITHOUT relying on heavy frameworks (React, Angular, Vue).

• A collaborative "team first" mindset: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary startup environment.

• A pragmatic engineering mindset: The ability to ship fast prototypes for R&D, paired with the discipline to refactor them into structured, reliable production code.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.

• Ability to travel as needed.

• Experience with real-time data streaming architectures, specifically WebSockets and WebRTC for low-latency video distribution.

• Experience handling high-frequency telemetry data or geographic map and canvas rendering in the browser.

• Prior experience in the automotive, aerospace, defense, or gaming industries.

• German language skills are a plus.

Contact Person:

Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA partner via talent@stark-defence.com