Lead Flight Test Operations Manager (all genders)

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. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.

Your mission

As the Lead Flight Test Operations Manager at STARK , you are responsible for the successful execution of complex flight test campaigns across multiple platforms and international test ranges. You lead the operational planning and on-site execution of deployments, ensuring that crews, logistics, approvals, and field operations are fully aligned under demanding conditions.

You act as the central interface between internal teams, military authorities, customers, and host-nation agencies, while leading Operations Managers, Coordinators, and Field Operations Crews. From inert-flight to live-fire campaigns, you ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations at every stage.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of campaign execution across all platforms (Virtus, OWE-V), including range coordination, NOTAMs, EASA operational approvals, logistics, dangerous goods transportation, and crew planning.
• Leadership of the three operational sub-tracks: Operations Managers, Coordinators, and Field Operations Crew.
• Primary interface to WTD 61, WTD 91, TDW Range, customer program offices, and host-nation authorities for deployments in Kenya, Ukraine, and Sweden.
• Responsibility for the operational transition between inert-flight, static-fire, and end-to-end live-fire campaign phases.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in flight test, military aviation, or aerospace operations, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven responsibility for multi-week field campaigns conducted on military or restricted ranges.
• Business-fluent German and English at C1 level or higher.
• Project management experience.

Nice to have

• Former German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) background.
• ADR / IATA DGR certification.