Engineer Advanced Quality Planning (all genders)

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising 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.

We are 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 and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe today.

Your mission

You are the cornerstone in ensuring the successful and high-quality launch of new products and components. By leading the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process, you ensure that quality is proactively built into design and manufacturing processes from the initial concept phase through to serial production. Your expertise secures flawless product introductions and achieves superior quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the APQP process for new products and engineering changes, ensuring all required steps and sign-offs are completed in a timely manner.
• Coordinate the preparation and approval of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions internally and from suppliers, verifying compliance with customer and company specifications.
• Facilitate and actively participate in the development and review of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), including Design FMEA (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA), to mitigate risks early in the design and process development stages.
• Define and ensure the implementation of robust control plans and quality inspection methods for new and revised parts and processes.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering (Design), Manufacturing/Production, and Purchasing to translate product requirements into measurable quality objectives and manufacturing processes.
• Support supplier development activities related to new component introductions, ensuring suppliers adhere to APQP/PPAP requirements and quality standards.
• Participation in the implementation and further development of quality processes within the framework of the company's quality management system.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to the APQP process and early quality planning to reduce launch defects and warranty issues.
• Ensure timely resolution of quality issues affecting product launch timelines and quality

Qualifications

• A technical (specialised) university degree or equivalent professional qualification in mechatronics, electronics or a related engineering field.
• Extensive, demonstrable experience in leading and executing the full APQP and PPAP cycles, ideally in the aerospace, automotive, or defence industry.
• In-depth practical knowledge of core QM tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC) is essential.
• Practical knowledge of ISO 9001 (essential); experience with EN9100 or IATF 16949 (highly desirable).
• Experience in a production or quality assurance environment, with a focus on new product introduction (NPI).
• Knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and methods such as Six Sigma or
  Lean.
• Strong analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and root cause analysis skills (e.g., 8D).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with different teams and stakeholders.
• A practical, proactive, and systematic approach to problem solving and process adherence.
• Proficiency in MS Office and quality management software/tools.
• Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle or similar).
• Business fluent German and English language skills.