QA Engineer - Maritime Systems (all genders)
STARK · Wroughton, England, United Kingdom
Defense and Space Manufacturing · 201-500 employees
About the role
You will translate operational needs from MoDs and NATO authorities into concrete engineering specifications for AI-enabled maritime platforms. Additionally, you will develop commercial models for fleet maintenance and software updates while refining the product roadmap based on market needs.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must hold a BS or MS in Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field. A minimum of 7 years of experience in maritime defence or aerospace with proficiency in NATO interoperability standards is required.
Full description
About Us
STARK is a European defence technology company founded in 2023, specialising in the development and production of advanced UAV and USV systems for modern military operations. Our flagship platform, Virtus, is a next-generation VTOL loitering munition system, and we are rapidly expanding our software and autonomy capabilities to deploy Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for maritime surveillance and security.
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
Martime Team Your mission
As our Maritime GTM specialist, will ensure that Stark’s AI-enabled, software-defined platforms are not only technically superior but are engineered to be "ready-to-integrate" into complex Allied naval architectures.
Responsibilities
- You will translate operational needs from sovereign MoDs and NATO authorities into concrete engineering specifications.
- Ensure Stark’s systems are compliant with evolving standards (e.g., NATO STANAGs for unmanned systems) to prevent "vendor lock-in" and facilitate rapid fleet scaling
- Develop the commercial models ensuring that fleet maintenance, software updates, and engineering refits in all contracts
- Design commercial models that ensure software updates and engineering refits are baked into the heart of every contract.
- Refining the Product Roadmap depending on the needs of the customer and working with the engineering team to ensure we are following the market needs
Qualifications
- Engineering Degree: A BS or MS in Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
- Domain Expertise: 7+ years of experience in Maritime Defence or Aerospace, specifically dealing with complex "System-of-Systems" architectures.
- Standards Proficiency: Deep familiarity with maritime interoperability standards (e.g., NATO STANAGs for unmanned systems, Open Architecture standards, or IMO regulations).
- Proven track record of translating high-level MoD/DoD operational requirements into engineering-level functional specifications
- Former experience within a Navy technical branch or a major Defence Prime (Tier 1/2) is highly desirable
- Security Clearance: Ability to obtain (or currently holding) high-level national security clearance.
STARK Defence UK has achieved the ERS - The Defence Employer Recognition Bronze award 2026
Talent Contact: Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner, via talent@stark-defence.com Nice to have
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.
