Program Director - Hardware Systems in München

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Job DescriptionAbout 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. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

Location

Munich area

Employment type

Permanent employee, Full‑time

Responsibilities

• 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 Coordination: 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.

Qualifications

• 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 (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 – you get things done, stay close to the details, and drive accountability.
• Tools: Comfortable with modern program tools (Jira, Confluence, Excel, and PMO systems).

Your First 12 Months

Month 0–1: Learn & Align – Deeply understand the product, its technical foundation, and organizational landscape. Build a strong partnership with your Chief Engineer and align with the VP Programs on strategic priorities.

Month 1–3: Build the Team & the Plan – Define the execution roadmap and the team needed to achieve it. Hire key roles, clarify responsibilities, and establish clear processes and communication channels.

Month 3–6: Drive Execution – Lead the newly formed team through key development phases. Ensure clarity of priorities, proactive risk management, and strong coordination across shared functions.

Month 6–12: Scale & Mature – Strengthen the team’s capabilities and independence. Build production readiness, refine delivery frameworks, and grow emerging leaders within the program.

Why STARK

• Build and lead one of Europe’s most advanced hardware programs from early R&D to production.
• Work directly with top engineering and program leaders, shaping both product and organization.
• Create and grow a world‑class team.
• Be part of a mission that truly matters, strengthening Europe’s technological and defense edge.

Legal Disclaimer

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 , , , , , , or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.

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