Program Director - Hardware Systems (All Genders)

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

WHY JOIN US

The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.

You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.

We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

YOUR MISSION

As a Program Manager at STARK, you will lead one of our core hardware programs taking it from early R&D all the way to production readiness. You’ll be responsible for translating ambitious technical concepts into operational products and building the team that makes it happen.

You’ll work hand-in-hand with a dedicated Chief Engineer, combining program leadership with technical direction. Together, you’ll shape the vision, align priorities, and drive execution across engineering, production, and business functions.

A key part of your mission will be to build and scale a world-class engineering team, recruiting top talent, defining structure, and fostering a high-performance culture that moves fast, collaborates openly, and delivers. You’ll also coordinate with shared engineering functions (simulation, testing, systems, etc.) to allocate resources effectively and ensure critical work gets the attention it needs.

This role is about ownership and leadership: Building both a product and the organization that delivers it.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK

End-to-End Program Leadership : Own the delivery of a major hardware program from R&D, to go-to-market verification to production readiness.

Team Building: Build, structure, and grow a high-performing multidisciplinary team. Recruit top engineering talent and create an environment where they can deliver their best work.

Partnership with Chief Engineer : Co-lead the program, pairing strong technical direction with decisive program leadership.

Strategic Planning : Translate strategic goals into clear milestones, deliverables, and resource plans.

Execution & Prioritization : Drive focus on what matters most. Keep teams aligned, proactive, and moving fast.

Cross-Functional Coordinatio n: Connect the dots across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and business functions to maintain alignment and momentum.

Program–Portfolio Alignment: Work closely with the VP Programs to ensure key programs get the focus and resources needed to deliver cutting-edge technology to customers at record speed.

Leadership & Culture : Set high standards, communicate clearly, and keep teams motivated and accountable even in demanding phases.

Stakeholder Communication : Deliver concise, transparent updates on progress, risks, and key decisions to leadership.

Process & Structure : Implement pragmatic governance and scalable processes that enable speed without bureaucracy.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION

Experience : 4–10 years in program or project management, ideally in hardware, aerospace, robotics, or defense. Proven experience leading complex technical programs and growing teams.

Background : Technical or technically literate background: e.g. engineering, industrial engineering, or technical management. You don’t need to design systems yourself, but you must understand how engineers think and work.

Leadership : Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams. You attract talent, set structure, and keep people aligned through clarity and purpose.

Mindset : Mission-driven, decisive, and pragmatic. You thrive in ambiguity and bring structure to complexity. You seek feedback, learn fast, and raise your own bar continuously.

Communication : Clear, direct communicator with strong written and verbal skills in English and German.

Execution : Strong bias for action: >ou get things done, stay close to the details, and drive accountability.

Tools : Comfortable with modern program tools (e.g. Jira, Confluence, Excel, and PMO systems).

If you're interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English . We're looking forward to meeting you!

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

DATA PRIVACY STATEMENT

This data privacy statement, which refers exclusively to data collected as part of the online application process, is to inform you about how your personal data that is collected as part of the online application process is handled at our end.

The controller

The controller under data protection law is:

SKD SE

Französische Strasse 12, 10117 Berlin

Commercial register entry number: HRB 260878

Registration Court: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg

• Data Protection officer: heyData GmbH, Schützenstraße 5, 10117 Berlin, www.heydata.eu , -----
• Personal data collected as part of the application process

Personal data means any information concerning the personal or material circumstances of an identified or identifiable individual. This includes information such as, for example, your name, address, telephone number and date of birth, but also data relating to your specific career etc. by reference to which a specific individual can be identified with reasonable effort. However, information which cannot be (in)directly associated with your real-life identity is not personal data.

Fundamentals and purposes of processing personal data collected from application documents and during the application process

If you apply to us electronically, i.e. via e-mail or using our online form, we will collect and process your personal data for the purpose of executing the application process and preparing contracts.

By submitting an application via our recruitment website, you express your interest in taking up work with us. In this context, you transmit personal data, which we will use and store exclusively for the purpose of your job search / application process.

In particular, the following data is collected during this process:

name (first and last names)

e-mail address

phone number

LinkedIn profile (optional)

channel through which you found us

Furthermore, you can choose to upload expressive documents such as a cover letter, your CV and reference letters. These may contain additional personal data such as date of birth, address etc.

Only authorized HR staff and/or staff involved in the application process have access to your data.

The personal data is stored, as a rule, exclusively for the purpose of filling the vacancy for which you have applied.

Your data will be stored for a period of 180 days after the application process has been concluded. This is usually done to fulfill legal requirements and/or defending ourselves against any claims arising from legal provisions. After this period, we are obligated to delete or anonymize your data. In case of anonymization,