Product Owner - Control - (all genders)
TLDR
Lead the development of cutting-edge embedded and robotics systems in a mission-driven role that addresses real-world operational requirements in defence technology.
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. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.
We’re 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
As Senior Product Owner, you will lead the translation of complex stakeholder needs into clear product requirements and agile execution, helping deliver embedded and robotics systems that create meaningful real-world capability.
This role demands more than standard product ownership. Working in defence technology means operating close to the realities of modern conflict and building products that must perform reliably in demanding environments. The work is challenging, mission-driven, and grounded in real operational needsResponsibilities
Own and drive the product roadmap for embedded and software-driven systems
Lead requirement engineering activities across product, engineering, and stakeholder interfaces
Capture, structure, prioritize, and maintain product and system requirements throughout the development lifecycle
Translate customer, user, and operational needs into actionable product specifications and development goals
Work closely with software, embedded, robotics, test, and hardware teams to ensure requirements are feasible, clear, and traceable
Drive agile software development processes across cross-functional engineering teams
Manage and prioritize the product backlog in alignment with company objectives and technical realities
Define user stories, acceptance criteria, and release priorities with high clarity and technical relevance
Coordinate product planning, sprint planning, reviews, and refinement activities with engineering teams
Facilitate agile ceremonies and help maintain an effective Scrum-based development rhythm
Support validation, verification, and product acceptance by ensuring requirements are testable and measurable
Align internal stakeholders across engineering, business, operations, and leadership
Monitor product progress, delivery risks, and dependencies, and proactively drive mitigation strategies
Support field feedback loops and convert operational learnings into product improvement.
Produce structured documentation for product requirements, priorities, decisions, and release planning
Qualifications
A university degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field
Experience with safety-critical, mission-critical, or high-reliability systems
Strong experience in requirement engineering and in agile software development
Good understanding of Scrum processes and agile team facilitation
Proven experience as a Product Owner, Technical Product Owner, or similar role in complex technical environments
Ability to work effectively with software, embedded, systems, and hardware engineering teams
Strong understanding of product backlog management, user stories, and acceptance criteria definition
Experience translating complex technical topics into structured product decisions and priorities
Ability to facilitate agile ceremonies, track progress, and support delivery execution
Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills
Familiarity with requirement traceability, change management, and verification workflows
Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills
Ability to balance strategic product direction with hands-on execution detail
Nice to Have
Strong experience working with embedded systems and software-driven products
Good technical understanding of embedded system development lifecycles and constraints
Experience in robotics, unmanned systems, automotive, or similarly demanding engineering domains
Understanding of system integration, validation, and test processes
Experience working with cross-functional hardware-software organizations
Experience in regulated engineering environments or complex product organizations
Knowledge of ROS2, embedded Linux, RTOS environments, or automotive software ecosystems is a plus
Background in aerospace, UAVs, automotive, or advanced robotics is an advantage
If you're interested in building the future of European defence with us and you see yourself reflected in the description above, please send us your CV in English. We’re looking forward to meeting you.
STARK is a defense technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures high-performance unmanned systems to enhance the deployment of autonomous technologies across various domains. Our focus is on delivering software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective solutions that give NATO Allies a decisive advantage in contested environments, addressing today's rising threats.