SVP OWE – Aerial hardware leadership

The SVP for Aerial Hardware Leadership (OWE Program) will own the full hardware lifecycle of STARK’s long-range aerial systems from concept design through qualification, production, and operational deployment. This role drives system integration across structures, propulsion, flight controls, payload interfaces, and mission systems, ensuring technical excellence and delivery velocity across a multi-platform portfolio.

You will lead a cross-functional engineering organization spanning mechanical design, propulsion integration, composites manufacturing, and test & validation. This position demands deep aerospace systems expertise, proven leadership in certified or mission-critical programs, and the ability to scale industrial capability under strict NATO export-control frameworks.

Lead the hardware backbone of Europe’s next generation of aerial systems.
You will take ownership of how our long-range platform flies, survives, and delivers — from structural concept to flight-ready system. Your mission is to turn advanced engineering into deployable capability: reliable, modular, and field-proven.

You’ll align mechanical design, propulsion, and system integration under one intent — to deliver aerial dominance built in Europe.

• Lead all hardware domains for the OWE aerial platform, from requirements to qualification.

• Define the long-range system architecture, integrating propulsion, control, and payload subsystems.

• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary team (mechanical, structures, test, industrialization).

• Oversee supplier selection, component certification, and system verification activities.

• Partner with CTO and Program Management to align technical milestones with program delivery targets.

• Drive design-to-manufacture efficiency and readiness for serial production.

• Ensure compliance with ITAR/NATO export controls, MIL-STD, and DO-series certification frameworks.

• Represent the OWE hardware domain in executive reviews, customer briefings, and audits.

• 10–15+ years’ experience leading complex aerospace or defense hardware programs.

• Strong background in airframe design, propulsion integration, and systems engineering.

• Proven delivery of certified or operational platforms (UAV, aircraft, or missile systems).

• Track record of scaling engineering teams in high-compliance environments.

• Fluent in English; German advantageous.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.