Head of Software Architecture

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. 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 to deter aggression—today. About the team Minerva is STARK’s command‑and‑control software — the system that connects operators to autonomous platforms across multiple domains in real time. Our team is a small, senior group based in Berlin and Munich, working closely with hardware, autonomy, and systems engineering to deliver mission‑critical C2 capabilities deployed in active operational environments. We operate under constraints most engineers never encounter: low‑bandwidth networks, air‑gapped devices, and high‑stakes decision loops. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field. Your mission This is not a standard engineering role; it is a high‑impact leadership position at the intersection of hardware, software, and human factors. We have world‑class architects leading separate workstreams across C2, Perception, and Autonomy. As Head of Software Architecture, your mission is to lead, align, and govern these architectural workstreams under a unified, delivery-focused engineering strategy that results in concrete artifacts, architecture diagrams, and actionable software components. You will set the architectural direction for STARK’s software ecosystem, ensure coherence across domains, and provide the systems‑engineering rigor required to meet the complex requirements of our customers. You will not only unify architecture - you will own it. Responsibilities 1. Architectural Alignment & Leadership • Software System Engineering — You will act as the System Engineer on the software side, responsible for defining the V-Model process, leading requirements engineering, and directing V&V planning. • Cross‑Platform Alignment — You will guide stakeholders toward common architectural solutions adopted across the product portfolio. • Conflict Resolution & Consensus Building — You will identify conflicts between hardware and software, synthesizing input from experts to drive alignment across C2, Perception, Autonomy, and Embedded. • Organizational Architecture — You will design communication pathways and collaboration patterns that ensure architectural integrity drives effective organizational structure (Conway’s Law). 2. Strategic Technical Governance • Safety‑by‑Design Leadership — Champion Modern C++ Safety Guidelines (MISRA) and mentor teams on building reliable, safety‑critical systems. • Software Interface Governance — Define and govern the software interfaces across the stack, ensuring architectural integrity and interoperability within the software ecosystem. • Operational Reliability — Ensure that changes in autopilot firmware, mission planning, and perception stacks never break operational workflows. • Compliance & QA Excellence — Lead V-Model enforcement, V&V, and QA (ISTQB) processes. Own technical compliance (IEC 61508, ISO 27001, AQAP, DeumilSAA, Cyber Sec Essentials, STANAGs, DEFSTAN) and manage all associated audit documentation. 3. Mentorship & Organizational Influence • Influence‑Based Leadership & Change Management — Run design reviews that empower teams while guiding architecture through scaling refactors and managing technical debt. • Architect Development — Mentor senior software engineers and architects, helping them grow into cross‑domain leaders. • Cultural Stewardship — Shape a culture that values clarity, safety, and mission‑driven engineering. • Leadership & Community — Head the Software Architecture community of practice and directly lead a dedicated V&V and QA team. The Tech Landscape • Technical Curiosity — You will earn the respect of domain experts across mission planningautonomy, perception, embedded, and systems engineering. • Data‑Flow Understanding — You will understand how data moves from onboard sensors over constrained radio links (MAVLink/Silvus) to ground‑station systems (C++). • C++ Leadership — You will reinforce C++ as the core language, emphasizing safety and standardization. • SWaP‑C Awareness — You will intuitively understand how software decisions impact hardware endurance, performance, and cost. Qualifications • Senior Architectural Experience — 10+ years in Principal, Staff+, or equivalent architectural roles. • Cross‑Team Leadership — Proven experience leading architecture across multiple engineering teams. • Domain Expertise — Background in aerospace, defence, robotics, or complex hardware/software systems. • Communication Excellence — Ability to influence without authority and communicate across technical domains. • Systems Thinking — Ability to break down complex, cross‑domain challenges into coherent solutions. • Security Eligibility — Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance. • Background in Aerospace, Defense, Robotics or complex Hardware/Software systems. • Proven experience acting as an architect across multiple engineering teams • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Security: Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be eligible to obtain appropriate security clearance. • Why Join STARK? • Impact: You are defining the nervous system of next-generation defense. Your decisions determine the lethality and survivability of our platforms. • Autonomy: You are the technical authority connecting the "Sky" (Drones) to the "Ground" (C2). • Growth: Lead the technical strategy for a rapidly expanding portfolio of air and sea systems.