Director Minerva Frontline (All genders) at Skdse

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.

About the Team

Minerva is STARK’s overarching Mission Operating System — the central cognitive backbone connecting all our unmanned platforms across air, land, and sea, while seamlessly integrating third-party systems and interfacing directly with national Battle Management Systems (BMS). Within this ecosystem, the Minerva Frontline organization owns the entire human-machine interface and operator experience on the ground. Our program brings together three specialized product pillars — Minerva Frontend Applications, Ground Control Stations (GCS), and Mission Simulation — distributed across Berlin and Munich. We operate with high autonomy, a mission-first mindset, and close collaboration between software engineers, hardware specialists, and operational experts to build reliable, intuitive systems that work when stakes are at their highest.

Your Mission

As Director Minerva Frontline, you are the holistic Program Owner and external face of STARK’s customer-facing software and mission control suite. Reporting directly to the VP of Software, you will lead the departments across Command & Control (C2) Applications, Ground Control Stations, and Simulation, unifying their efforts into one cohesive, battle-tested product experience. You will set the visionary product roadmap internally while representing our capabilities externally to military stakeholders, procurement agencies, and partners across NATO nations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK

• Own the end-to-end Minerva Frontline program, taking full accountability for its strategic roadmap, program budget, commercial targets, and cross-functional delivery across all three product lines.
• Lead, mentor, and empower three direct reports and scale the broader multi-disciplinary organization across Berlin and Munich in these teams.
• Define and communicate a compelling product vision internally, aligning engineering and UX teams around operator needs so that software, ground station hardware, and simulation environments feel like one seamless system.
• Serve as the primary external representative for Minerva Frontline, pitching and demonstrating our C2, GCS, and simulation capabilities to military end-users, defence ministries, and procurement bodies (e.g., BAAINBw).
• Drive seamless system interoperability, ensuring Minerva Frontline connects effortlessly with STARK’s physical unmanned platforms, third-party assets, and sovereign Battle Management Systems .
• Translate complex battlefield and customer requirements into structured, actionable engineering priorities, balancing rapid prototyping with mission-critical reliability and safety.
• Establish and scale a lean Program Management Office (PMO) over time to professionalize program tracking, release planning, and cross-entity alignment.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Marketing, and Physical Platform Leads to shape go-to-market materials, pricing models, and integrated system demonstrations at test ranges and customer sites.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION

• Proven senior leadership and program ownership experience managing complex, multi-team software or cyber-physical product organizations, including responsibility for roadmaps, budgets, and delivery.
• Strong technical background in building mission-critical software suites, ideally combining software engineering leadership with hardware-in-the-loop, robotics, C2 systems, or ground control interfaces.
• Credibility and domain expertise in the defence or aerospace sector, with the ability to speak at eye level with military decision-makers, operators, and technical engineers alike.
• Exceptional internal and external communication skills — you know how to inspire engineering teams with a crisp vision and persuasively represent complex technical products to B2G (Business-to-Government) customers.
• High organizational rigor and an owner’s mindset, capable of turning startup ambiguity into clear structure and driving execution under high tempo.
• Willingness to travel regularly between our hubs in Berlin and Munich as well as to customer sites, military bases, and test ranges across Europe.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.

Nice-To-Have

• Prior military service (e.g., former officer or reservist in the Bundeswehr or a NATO allied force), particularly within IT, Cyber, C2, or Air Defence domains.
• Fluency in German, enabling seamless direct engagement with German defence stakeholders and procurement authorities.
• An established network within the European defence ecosystem, military procurement agencies, or the NATO technology community.
• Experience with tactical Battle Management Systems (BMS), military simulation environments, or unmanned systems (UxV) operations.

Equal Opportunity:

At Stark Defence, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team. We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

If you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications—ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points. We value unique perspectives, adaptability, and a drive to solve high-stakes challenges.

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.

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