Flight Test - Intern / Working Student

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. Our mission is to bolster the technological edge of NATO Allies and their partners to deter aggression and defend Europe.

As a Flight Test Intern / Working Student, you are the vital "on-site hands" of our flight test team. Your mission is to support the seamless execution of flight test campaigns for our military-grade UAV platforms, bridging the gap between engineering design and physical flight.

You will work closely with our Flight Test Engineers (FTEs) and Remote Pilots, learning the rigorous standards of military aviation. We are a "gloves-off" team: You will be expected to be hands-on with the hardware, ensuring the aircraft is ready, the telemetry is streaming, and the test objectives are met. This is a role for someone who wants to understand the "insides" of a drone as much as the data it produces.

Responsibilities

Flight Operations & Test Support

• On-Site Execution: Act as the primary technical support during field campaigns, assisting with aircraft assembly, battery management, and ground control station (GCS) setup.

• Test Readiness: Work in close contact with FTEs to ensure all test-specific equipment (sensors, payloads, specific hardware versions) is prepared and verified before heading to the field.

• Ground Testing: Support ground-based validation and troubleshooting; you may be exposed to HIL/SIL environments and setting up ground testing.

• Flight Line Safety: Support the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and FTE in maintaining a safe flight line, conducting pre-flight walkarounds, and managing airspace observation.

Technical Integration & Learning

• UAV "Insides": Learn from our technicians and engineers how to integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain avionics and communication links.

• Test Design: Assist FTEs in translating engineering and software requirements into actionable test cards and field setups.

• Documentation: Help maintain accurate flight logs, anomaly reports, and configuration control records to ensure every flight provides maximum value to the design team.

Experience & Education

• Academic Path: Currently enrolled in or between a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or similar

• Technical Path: We also welcome candidates with a strong technical/vocational background (e.g., aircraft mechanics, electronics, or high-end RC modeling) who want to transition into a pilot, flight testing or engineering environment.

Technical Background & Skills

• Hands-on Aptitude: You are comfortable using tools and working with hardware. You have a natural curiosity for how things are built and how they break.

• UAV Interest: Initial exposure to UAVs—whether through university projects, personal hobbies, or previous internships—is highly valued.

• Operational Mindset: You are proactive and detail-oriented; you look for the missing screw or the loose cable before it becomes a problem.

Mindset & Working Style

• Resilience: You are happy to work outdoors in various conditions and can handle the fast-paced, iterative nature of a defense-tech startup.

• Communication: Strong collaboration skills in English (German is a plus).