Aviation Software Engineer

YOUR MISSION * Flight Control Software: Design, implement and test model-based software, enabling new flight functionality. * Simulation: Test newly implemented features in a thorough simulation framework. Perform simulation-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests to verify new features.  * Analysis: Collect and analyze data to evaluate algorithm performance and identify potential for improvement. Support the development of analysis tools. Process large datasets and generate test data reports from simulations or flights.  * Documentation: Aid in the creation of documentation and training materials outlining the flight control logic.  * Autonomy: Design safe, reliable, autonomous flight sequences that suit customer needs and meet the newest safety regulations. * Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams, including design engineers, flight operations, and avionics engineers to provide new features and product enhancements that enable our customer’s vision. * Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in safety regulations and sensor technology, incorporating best practices into workflows.  Competencies & Duties * Working independently and communicating complex technical matters precisely and concisely to a multidisciplinary team * Compliance according to ANAVIA’s employment contract, compliance with company’ safety instructions and employee’ safety requirements, compliance with ANAVIA’s quality manual, work instructions and corresponding process specifications and instructions. * International travel required of up to 25% of employee’ working hours. YOUR PROFILE * Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred. * Experience: Significant experience with model-based programming, preferably in the aviation or space industry; Familiarity with the associated standards and best practices; Experience with programming in C or Python a plus. Prior experience with HIL and SIL a plus.  * Skills: Strong knowledge of model-based programming (Simulink or similar); Good understanding of flight dynamics; Capability to design thorough test programs from unit to system level. * Communication: Very good technical communication skills. * Language: Excellent language skills in English (oral and written). German desirable. * Location: On-site in Näfels | Bilten, Switzerland. * Eligibility: Swiss or EU citizens only.

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 Engineer, you are the "Conductor of the Flight Line." Depending on your seniority, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our flight test campaigns, from initial planning and hazard assessment to execution and deep-dive data analysis. Beyond the technical data, you serve as the primary Onsite Leader. You are the person who ensures testing priorities are crystal clear to everyone on the range. You manage the daily tempo, coordinate the crew, and ensure that every person, from pilots to software engineers, knows exactly which tests are being conducted and when. Your mission is to transform raw flight data into actionable insights while maintaining a high-tempo, disciplined, and safe testing environment. RESPONSIBILITIES ONSITE TEST COORDINATION & LEADERSHIP * Act as the Onsite Test Coordinator: Lead daily operations on the range, ensuring the team stays focused on the primary test objectives. * Clarify Priorities: Maintain and communicate the "Daily Flight Schedule," ensuring everyone knows the sequence of events and current testing priorities. * Lead Briefings: Drive the morning "Pre-Flight Brief" and the evening "Debrief," capturing critical feedback and setting goals for the following day. * Resource Management: Coordinate the availability of airframes, ground support equipment, and personnel to maximize range time efficiency. FLIGHT EXECUTION & SAFETY * Coordinate and execute UAV flight tests in compliance with regulatory requirements and STARK safety standards. * Ensure all flight activities and anomalies are documented with high fidelity. * Develop specific Flight Test Techniques (FTTs) and instrumentation requirements to capture critical performance metrics. * Lead Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR) and contribute to safety review boards. TEST DESIGN & DATA ANALYSIS * Develop comprehensive flight test plans, test cards, and rigorous flight test hazard assessments (FTHA). * Process and analyze flight data using MATLAB or Python to validate system performance against requirements. * Work closely with Ardupilot and PX4-based flight control systems to iterate on flight behavior and performance. * Manage the configuration of flight test articles, ensuring all hardware and software versions are meticulously tracked. YOUR FIRST 12 MONTHS TIMEFRAME FOCUS MONTH 0–1: INTEGRATION DEEP DIVE INTO STARK UAV ARCHITECTURES AND SAFETY MANUALS. SHADOW CURRENT FLIGHT TESTS TO LEARN OUR OPERATIONAL TEMPO AND COORDINATION STYLE. MONTH 1–3: OPERATIONAL LEAD BEGIN ACTING AS THE PRIMARY ONSITE COORDINATOR FOR PRODUCTION TESTS. TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE DAILY FLIGHT SCHEDULE AND ENSURE HIGH-FIDELITY LOGGING OF ALL SORTIES. MONTH 3–6: OPTIMIZATION LEAD COMPLEX EXPERIMENTAL CAMPAIGNS. REFINE OUR ONSITE COMMUNICATION TOOLS TO ENSURE 100% CLARITY ON TEST PRIORITIES ACROSS THE ENGINEERING TEAM. MONTH 6–12: LEADERSHIP ACT AS TEST DIRECTOR FOR MULTI-ASSET CAMPAIGNS. MENTOR JUNIOR ENGINEERS AND PILOTS ON STRUCTURED TEST EXECUTION, RANGE MANAGEMENT, AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATIONAL & LEGAL BACKGROUND * Degree: Bachelor’s or higher in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering. * NATO Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations). * Communication: Professional-level written and verbal English. TECHNICAL & LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT * Coordination Skills: Proven ability to lead a technical team on-site, manage schedules, and communicate priorities clearly under pressure. * Data Mastery: Practical experience in data reduction and analysis using MATLAB or Python. * UAV Systems: Familiarity with Ground Control Stations (GCS), telemetry systems, and mission planning tools. * Testing Rigor: Proven ability to plan and conduct system-level tests in an aerospace or defense environment. MINDSET & STYLE * The "General" Mindset: You are naturally organized and can work through ambiguity on the flight line. * Analytical & Decisive: You can analyze a data anomaly quickly and decide whether to continue testing. * Meticulous Documenter: You believe that if it wasn't documented with high fidelity, the test never happened. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE * Active experience as an FTE or Test Director in crewed or uncrewed aviation. * Hands-on experience with flight test instrumentation (FTI) and DAQ systems. * Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environments.