Sensors systems engineer (m/f/d)

About Us 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. About the team Minerva is STARK's command and control software — the brain that connects operators to autonomous systems across multiple domains in real time. The Minerva team is a small, senior software group based in Berlin and Munich, working directly with our systems and hardware teams to build mission-critical C2 capabilities deployed 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. There is no room for abstraction for its own sake. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field . Your mission As a Sensors Systems Engineer , you sit at the critical intersection of hardware and software . You are the architect of our platforms' perception systems, leading the selection, integration, and optimization of the "eyes and ears" of our UAVs—ranging from high-definition EO/IR gimbals to Radar, Lidar, and IMU systems. At STARK, we are pushing the absolute limits of hardware . This is a deeply hands-on role ; you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a sensor, from probing I2C buses and debugging electrical interfaces to writing the high-performance C++ drivers that feed our autonomy stack. Responsibilities Hardware-Software Integration: Own the end-to-end integration of EO/IR cameras, gimbals, Radar, and Lidar. You will bridge the gap between physical mounting/wiring and the software nodes that control them. Low-Level Development: Design and implement drivers and ROS2 nodes. You will work directly with hardware protocols including I2C, SPI, CAN, Serial, and Ethernet (RTSP/UDP). Time Synchronization & Data Management: Solve the "hard" problems of temporal synchronization across distributed hardware (using PTP, PPS, or hardware triggering) to ensure all sensor streams are perfectly aligned for fusion. Precision Calibration: Develop and execute rigorous intrinsic and extrinsic calibration routines to ensure the platform’s sensor suite is spatially and logically unified. System Optimization: Profile and tune sensor pipelines to squeeze maximum performance out of resource-constrained embedded compute (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson). Field Evaluation: Support flight tests and field deployments, diagnosing hardware-level issues in real-time and iterating quickly on design improvements to ensure mission success. Qualifications Technical Background: A degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. The "Hybrid" Skillset: You are equally comfortable with hardware diagnostic tools (oscilloscopes, multimeters) and modern software development environments. Programming: Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, specifically for hardware interfacing and embedded systems. Experience with ROS2 is a big advantage. Protocol Fluency: Hands-on experience with I2C, SPI, CAN, and Ethernet-based sensor communication. Critical Thinking: A track record of addressing complex design trade-offs—balancing sensor range and resolution against weight, thermal, and power constraints. Proactive Problem Solver: A self-driven engineer who thrives on troubleshooting complex systems at the boundary of hardware and code. A Note on Our Process: At STARK, we value critical thinking, grit, and the ability to learn over a perfect checklist. If you are a talented engineer who loves building complex systems and is passionate about sensors, but you don’t hit every single bullet point above, we still want to hear from you. We are building a multidisciplinary team where diverse perspectives lead to more resilient technology. About us SECURITY CLEARANCE Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.