Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer (Control)

Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer (Control)

(All Genders)

STARK Defence

Thessaloniki, Greece

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!

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

About us:

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.