Program Director - Hardware Systems (All Genders)
Job description
Program Manager at Stark leading a core hardware program from early R&D to production readiness, paired with a Chief Engineer, and building and scaling the engineering team that delivers it.
At a glance
- Work mode
- Remote
- Languages
- English – fluent, German – fluent
What you'll do
- Own the delivery of a major hardware program from R&D, to go-to-market verification to production readiness
- Build, structure, and grow a high-performing multidisciplinary team; recruit top engineering talent and create an environment where they can deliver their best work
- Co-lead the program with a dedicated Chief Engineer, pairing strong technical direction with decisive program leadership
- Translate strategic goals into clear milestones, deliverables, and resource plans
- Drive focus on what matters most; keep teams aligned, proactive, and moving fast
- Connect the dots across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and business functions to maintain alignment and momentum
- 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
- Set high standards, communicate clearly, and keep teams motivated and accountable even in demanding phases
- Deliver concise, transparent updates on progress, risks, and key decisions to leadership
- Implement pragmatic governance and scalable processes that enable speed without bureaucracy
- Coordinate with shared engineering functions (simulation, testing, systems, etc.) to allocate resources effectively
What we're looking for
- 4–10 years in program or project management, ideally in hardware, aerospace, robotics, or defense
- Proven experience leading complex technical programs and growing teams
- Technical or technically literate background: e.g. engineering, industrial engineering, or technical management
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams; attract talent, set structure, and keep people aligned through clarity and purpose
- Mission-driven, decisive, and pragmatic; thrives in ambiguity and brings structure to complexity
- Clear, direct communicator with strong written and verbal skills in English and German
- Strong bias for action: gets things done, stays close to the details, and drives accountability
- Comfortable with modern program tools (e.g. Jira, Confluence, Excel, and PMO systems)
- Eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position
Benefits
- The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty
- Work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms
- A fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing
Apply
Direct apply at Skdse
Opens the job posting at Skdse
About Stark
Forging the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision
A premier defence technology company combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture to turn complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.
Mission
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
Key facts
- Berlin, Germany
- Defence technology
- Legal entity: SKD SE, Französische Strasse 12, 10117 Berlin
- Registered at Amtsgericht Charlottenburg under HRB 260878 B
- Executive Board: Uwe Horstmann, Dr. André Schneider, Johannes Schaback, Jan-Patrick Helmsen, Martin Rost
- Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Mr. Robert Maier
- VAT ID No.: DE369778559
Partners & customers
What they value
- Relentless innovation
- Speed
- Ownership and leadership