Senior Embedded Software Engineer

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 - providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments.

We are 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.

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer you will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing software for real‑time embedded systems in our platforms. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams including hardware engineers, systems engineers, and flight software teams to deliver robust and secure embedded solutions.

You will design and develop low‑level embedded firmware for safety‑critical drone systems. You will own real‑time firmware components running on STM
32‑based platforms, enabling reliable communication, control, and fault‑handling capabilities in mission‑critical environments. You will work close to the hardware, contributing to system integration, debugging, and safety‑oriented embedded architecture in compliance‑driven development environments.

• Develop embedded firmware in native C for STM
  32‑based embedded systems
• Design and implement real‑time software for safety‑critical drone and aerospace applications
• Build low‑level drivers, communication interfaces, bootloaders, and hardware abstraction layers
• Implement robust fault detection, watchdog, redundancy, and failsafe mechanisms
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to support board bring‑up, validation, and system integration
• Analyse and troubleshoot complex hardware‑software interaction issues using oscilloscopes, debuggers, and logic analysers
• Contribute to safety‑critical development processes, verification activities, and technical documentation
• Support architecture discussions and technical decision‑making for embedded platform development
• Ensure firmware reliability, maintainability, and deterministic real‑time behaviour under demanding operating conditions

• Bachelor's Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of embedded firmware development experience
• Strong native C programming skills in embedded or low‑level environments
• Hands‑on experience with STM
  32 microcontrollers
• Experience developing real‑time embedded systems using RTOS or bare‑metal architectures
• Ability to read schematics and collaborate effectively with hardware engineering teams
• Strong debugging and hardware interaction skills using embedded development and measurement tools
• Strong systematic and analytical thinking skills

• Experience with IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or DO-178C environments
• German language skills for collaboration with customers and procurement stakeholders
• SIL2, functional safety, or equivalent safety‑critical software development experience
• Exposure to drone, avionics, robotics, or autonomous systems development
• Experience working within regulated or high‑reliability industries such as defence, aerospace, automotive, railway, industrial automation, or medical devices

For further information please reach out to

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.

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.