Field Operations Crew - Flight Operations / Flight Test (all genders)

Job description

About Us 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. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe. Your mission As a Flight Test Field Operations Crew at STARK, you are the operational backbone of every test campaign. You keep the team moving: Sourcing what is missing, organising what is there, and handling the wide variety of hands-on tasks that keep a flight test programme on schedule. You will work directly alongside Flight Test Engineers and Pilots, taking ownership of the practical, physical, and logistical details so the technical team can stay focused on the mission. You thrive on variety. No two days are identical: one morning you are loading the van and sourcing a missing component; that afternoon you are on the flight line connecting hardware under engineer supervision. You are reliable, resourceful, and always ready to learn something new. Responsibilities Logistics & Site Preparation Van Loading & Equipment Management: Pack, load, and secure all flight test equipment, ground support equipment (GSE), tools, and spare parts for field operations. Maintain an organised and traceable equipment inventory. Procurement Support: Identify and source consumables, spare parts, and last-minute items required for test campaigns. Act quickly and decisively to prevent mission delays caused by missing equipment. Site Setup & Teardown: Prepare and dismantle the test site efficiently — setting up safety perimeters, power stations, shelter, and support equipment in line with the test team's requirements. Driving & Transport: Operate company vehicles to transport equipment, personnel, and materials to and from test sites. A valid driver's licence is mandatory for this role. Flight Line & Technical Support Pre-Flight Preparation: Support engineers and pilots during pre-flight checks: connecting and routing cables, managing battery charging systems, preparing airframes for test, and verifying ground support equipment readiness. On-Site Technical Assistance: Provide hands-on support for basic airframe assembly, sensor installation, and hardware configuration tasks under the guidance of Flight Test Engineers. Telemetry & Data Support: Learn to operate basic data logging and monitoring tools to support post-flight data checks and anomaly tracking. Airspace & Safety Assistance: Support safety procedures on-site including range clearance, observer duties, and adherence to SORA/EASA site safety requirements as briefed by the responsible pilot. Operational Continuity Documentation: Maintain accurate logbooks for equipment use, procurement activities, and vehicle mileage. Support the team's recordkeeping and traceability requirements. Tool & Parts Management: Own the tool kit and spare parts inventory — ensuring everything is accounted for, maintained, and ready before each deployment. Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas to improve logistics workflows, packing lists, and site preparation procedures based on first-hand experience. Your First 12 Months Timeframe Focus What This Looks Like Month 0–1 Onboard & Orient Integrate into STARK Complete STARK safety induction and site operations briefing. Shadow flight test engineers during pre-flight setup, range preparation, and post-flight breakdown. Familiarise yourself with the equipment inventory, tool management system, and vehicle loading procedures. Month 1–3 Field Ready Independent Operations Take ownership of the daily logistics cycle: sourcing consumables, loading and organising the flight test van, maintaining ground support equipment (GSE) readiness. Begin assisting directly on the flight line under engineer supervision — connecting hardware, routing cables, managing charging systems. Month 3–6 Technical Growth Hands-on Technical Involvement Begin supporting basic airframe assembly, battery management, and firmware preparation tasks. Develop competency in telemetry monitoring software to support data checks. Assist in range surveys and site assessment preparation for new test locations. Month 6–12 Team Backbone Trusted Enabler Become the go-to person for site readiness and operational continuity. Actively contribute to improving logistics workflows, spare parts lists, and tooling checklists. Begin mentoring any incoming support staff and grow into an expanded technical role based on capability and interest. Qualifications What We Are Looking For Driver's Licence: A valid driver's licence (Class B / EU equivalent) is an absolute requirement. You will regularly drive loaded vehicles to remote test sites. Technical Background: Prior experience in mechatronics, mechanical or electrical maintenance, logistics, aviation ground support, or a related field is a strong advantage but not mandatory. If you are technically curious and eager to learn, we want to hear from you. Mindset: Hands-on, proactive, and resourceful. You are the person who notices what is missing before anyone else does and has already started fixing it. You take ownership and stay calm under time pressure. Organisational Skills: Comfortable managing physical inventory, packing lists, and logistics schedules. You keep things tidy, traceable, and ready to go. Adaptability: Willing to engage with new technical topics, whether that is drone hardware, battery systems, GCS software, or airspace regulations. Curiosity and a learning mindset are more important than prior knowledge. Languages: Strong verbal and written communication skills in German and/or English. Both languages are used in daily operations.