Systems Engineer

Permanent employee, Full-time

Swindon

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.

We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems today. At STARK, you will be part of a mission-driven team bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies to deter aggression and defend Europe.

As a Systems Engineer, you will be a key architect of reliability and performance for our next‑generation autonomous platforms. You will support a safety-by-design approach, ensuring that complex mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems work in perfect harmony. This is a hands‑on role where you will manage cross‑functional integration, lead hazard analyses, and validate system integrity through rigorous testing and compliance reporting.

• Own the technical coherency of autonomous products from concept to delivery, ensuring all subsystems (sensing, compute, and actuation) align with mission goals.
• Work daily with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to bridge the gap between high‑level requirements and low‑level design.
• Lead Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHA) and System/Subsystem Hazard Assessments (SHA/SSHA) to identify and mitigate risks early in the design cycle.
• Drive FMEA and DFMEA activities to ensure system resilience and identify potential single points of failure.
• Define and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and system architecture layouts to manage complex data and power flows.
• Maintain requirements baselines and end-to-end traceability using industry‑standard tools like IBM DOORS.
• Conduct impact assessments for design changes to ensure system safety and performance are never compromised.
• Participate in rapid development sprints and field test campaigns, resolving engineering hurdles in real‑time and maintaining strict configuration control.

• Degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechatronics, or a related Engineering discipline.
• A strong grasp of the Systems Engineering V‑model and an interest in safety‑critical, autonomous platforms.
• Familiarity with diverse systems such as power distribution, RF, sensors, or embedded controllers through projects or professional experience.
• A clear understanding of how to capture complex requirements and a desire to master verification and validation (V&V) processes.
• Introductory awareness of safety‑critical standards (e.g., ARP
  4754A, ISO 26262, or DO‑178C) and a willingness to apply these to novel technologies.
• Sharp written and verbal skills with an eye for technical detail.
• Ability to thrive in a high‑growth startup environment and willingness to travel for field testing across the UK and Europe.
• Must be security‑cleared or eligible to obtain UK defense clearance.

• Experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or digital twin concepts.
• Background in rapid prototyping or working within a fast‑paced hardware‑software startup.
• A personal passion for robotics, edge computing, or multi‑domain autonomous technology.

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.