Head of Flight Test (All Genders)

About the role

STARK is seeking a senior leader to own and expand its flight‑test organisation. Based in Munich, you will build a mature capability of 40+ specialists and later extend the function to the UK, Ukraine and Greece, ensuring safe and rapid testing of unmanned systems.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full flight‑test organisation across pilots, engineers, operations and safety/compliance.
• Recruit, develop and structure pillar leads, defining career ladders and competency standards.
• Manage budget, headcount, schedule and testing tempo for the whole programme.
• Define and own the flight‑test strategy for all platforms, from simulation to flight‑test surrogates.
• Maintain the master Flight Test Operations Manual, test‑planning methodology and engineering standards.
• Oversee data quality, traceability and certification evidence throughout the data lifecycle.
• Run independent safety functions, including hazard analysis, risk acceptance and emergency response.
• Ensure compliance with permits‑to‑fly, civil and military authorisations, and drive the organisation toward higher airworthiness grades.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading large, complex flight‑test organisations in defence or aerospace.
• Track record of scaling teams from start‑up size to 40+ personnel.
• Strong knowledge of flight‑test regulations, safety boards and airworthiness certification.
• Ability to balance speed of testing with rigorous safety standards.
• Experience managing multi‑national operations and coordinating with national authorities.

Required skills

• Flight test engineering
• Test instrumentation
• Data lifecycle management