Lead Hardware Engineer

Department: R&D / Hardware

Employment Type: Permanent employee

Schedule: Full-time

Seniority: Experienced

Location: Kyiv

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. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems, not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe today.In this role, you will drive the hardware function forward — from electronics to mechanical and structural design - building reliable, scalable and mission-ready UAV systems. The role blends hands-on engineering with technical leadership, shaping the roadmap, setting standards, and guiding the team toward strong execution.Technical Leadership

• Define and oversee hardware architecture for UAV platforms (electronics, power, communication, mechanical systems)
• Review and approve circuit designs, PCB layouts, and mechanical drawings
• Ensure hardware-software compatibility and smooth integration with avionics and payloads
• Supervise prototyping, lab tests, and validation of new modules
• Set up and maintain documentation standards and design workflows

Team & Process Leadership

• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary team (electronics engineers, mechanical engineers)
• Plan and prioritize tasks, balancing R&D and production needs
• Coordinate with software, autopilot, and manufacturing teams
• Establish internal review and testing procedures to ensure quality and reliability
• Support hiring, onboarding, and competence development within the team

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with system engineering, software development team and production leads to align hardware design with system requirements
• Participate in design reviews and product roadmap discussions
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners for component selection and sourcing

• 5+ years of experience in hardware engineering (electronics or mechatronics or embedded hardware development)
• Proven background in designing and leading development of embedded or UAV-related hardware
• Strong understanding of PCB design, power systems, RF, and mechanical integration
• Experience managing small engineering teams or acting as a technical lead
• Solid knowledge of development lifecycle — from concept and prototyping to serial production
• Confident in documentation tools (Altium, SolidWorks, etc.) and version control
• Excellent problem-solving and system-thinking skills
• Intermediate and higher English

Nice to have

• Experience in UAV, robotics, automotive, or defense electronics
• Understanding of manufacturing and testing processes
• Familiarity with MIL-STD, IPC standards, or DO-254
• Background in mechanical design or integration

Personal Qualities

• System thinker with a pragmatic approach
• Strong ownership and ability to build processes from zero
• Balance between precision and speed — able to make decisions under uncertainty
• Team-oriented, open to feedback, and comfortable with hands-on work