Lead Flight Test Operations Manager

About the role

STARK is seeking a Lead Flight Test Operations Manager to oversee complex flight‑test campaigns across multiple platforms and international ranges. You will coordinate planning, logistics and execution, acting as the central liaison between internal teams, military authorities, customers and host‑nation agencies.

Key responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end execution of flight‑test campaigns for platforms such as Virtus and OWE‑V, including range coordination, NOTAMs, EASA approvals, logistics and dangerous‑goods transport.
• Lead three operational sub‑tracks: Operations Managers, Coordinators and Field Operations Crews.
• Serve as primary interface with WTD 61, WTD 91, TDW Range and program offices for deployments in Kenya, Ukraine and Sweden.
• Manage transition phases from inert‑flight through static‑fire to live‑fire operations.

Required profile

• 8+ years of experience in flight‑test, military aviation or aerospace operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing multi‑week field campaigns on military or restricted ranges.
• Business‑fluent German and English (C1 level or higher).
• Project‑management experience.

Required skills

• Flight‑test operations management
• Range coordination and NOTAM handling
• EASA operational approval processes
• Logistics planning and dangerous‑goods transportation (ADR/IATA DGR)
• Crew planning and field operations supervision
• Project management