Head of Software Architecture

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. Were focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies to deter aggression—today.

About the team

Minerva is STARKs command‑and‑control software — the system that connects operators to autonomous platforms across multiple domains in real time. Our team is a small, senior group based in Berlin and Munich, working closely with hardware, autonomy, and systems engineering to deliver mission‑critical C2 capabilities deployed in active operational environments.

We operate under constraints most engineers never encounter: low‑bandwidth networks, air‑gapped devices, and high‑stakes decision loops. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field.

Your mission

This is not a standard engineering role; it is a high‑impact leadership position at the intersection of hardware, software, and human factors. We have world‑class architects leading separate workstreams across C2, Perception, and Autonomy.

As Head of Software Architecture, your mission is to lead, align, and govern these architectural workstreams under a unified, delivery-focused engineering strategy that results in concrete artifacts, architecture diagrams, and actionable software components. You will set the architectural direction for STARKs software ecosystem, ensure coherence across domains, and provide the systems‑engineering rigor required to meet the complex requirements of our customers.

You will not only unify architecture - you will own it.

Responsibilities

1. Architectural Alignment & Leadership

Software System Engineering — You will act as the System Engineer on the software side, responsible for defining the V-Model process, leading requirements engineering, and directing V&V planning.

Cross‑Platform Alignment — You will guide stakeholders toward common architectural solutions adopted across the product portfolio.

Conflict Resolution & Consensus Building — You will identify conflicts between hardware and software, synthesizing input from experts to drive alignment across C2, Perception, Autonomy, and Embedded.

Organizational Architecture — You will design communication pathways and collaboration patterns that ensure architectural integrity drives effective organizational structure (Conways Law).

2. Strategic Technical Governance

Safety‑by‑Design Leadership — Champion Modern C++ Safety Guidelines (MISRA) and mentor teams on building reliable, safety‑critical systems.

Software Interface Governance — Define and govern the software interfaces across the stack, ensuring architectural integrity and interoperability within the software ecosystem.

Operational Reliability — Ensure that changes in autopilot firmware, mission planning, and perception stacks never break operational workflows.

Compliance & QA Excellence — Lead V-Model enforcement, V&V, and QA (ISTQB) processes. Own technical compliance (IEC 61508, ISO 27001, AQAP, DeumilSAA, Cyber Sec Essentials, STANAGs, DEFSTAN) and manage all associated audit documentation.

3. Mentorship & Organizational Influence

Influence‑Based Leadership & Change Management — Run design reviews that empower teams while guiding architecture through scaling refactors and managing technical debt.