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Operations & Project Management

Lead Flight Test Operations Manager (All Genders)

STARK Germany🇩🇪GermanyPosted 21 Oct 2026

Quick overview

SeniorityMid Senior
Work modeHybrid
LocationGermany, Germany
Posted3 days ago
AgileProject Management

Job description

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners  with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

WHY JOIN US

  • The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
  • You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
  • We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

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.

Required Skills

  • 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.

If you're interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We're looking forward to meeting you!

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.

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