RF Engineer / RF Technician - Ground Control Station (m/f/d)

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—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. About the team You will be working closely with the Commercial team. Your mission As an RF Engineer you will Design, integrate, and validate robust RF systems for military UAV platforms, delivering secure communications and electronic warfare capability in contested environments. Responsibilities • Select, design, and integrate RF hardware including SDRs, antennas, filters, LNAs, power amplifiers, and front-end modules • Define system-level requirements and ensure RF systems meet performance, environmental, and regulatory standards • Develop robust communication architectures for UAV command, control, telemetry, and payload data transfer • Support the design and integration of electronic warfare functions such as signal detection, jamming, spoofing, and RF hardening • Perform RF simulations, link budget calculations, and range performance modeling • Work with mechanical and systems engineers on antenna placement, EMC/EMI mitigation, and SWaP optimization • Evaluate and qualify COTS and custom RF components for use in military platforms • Plan and execute lab testing, range validation, and flight trials of RF systems • Ensure compliance with NATO STANAGs, MIL standards (e.g. MIL-STD-461, 464, 810), and relevant frequency allocation regulations • Contribute to safety, reliability, and certification documentation, including SC-Light UAS or equivalent pathways where applicable Qualifications • Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline • Experience in RF systems design, ideally in aerospace, defense, or tactical communications • Solid experience with software-defined radios, RF front-end design, and antenna system integration • Knowledge of RF propagation, modulation schemes, spectral efficiency, and interference mitigation • Familiar with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators) and RF design/simulation tools (e.g. HFSS, CST, MATLAB) • Understanding of EMC/EMI principles and ruggedization of RF systems for harsh environments • Familiarity with relevant military standards and NATO STANAGs for communication and EW systems • Awareness of civil UAV certification requirements (e.g. SC-Light UAS) is a plus • Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills • Ability to travel to various testing sites in Europe when needed • Eligible for security clearance (or already holds one) • Fluent in English; German is beneficial, additional languages are a plus If you´re interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected in the description above, please send us your CV in English. We´re looking forward to meeting you! Your contact is Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner via talent@stark-defence.com