Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

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

Architect and scale a global supplier quality ecosystem that creates a “zero-defect” gateway between Design and Series Production—building the systems, standards, and automated processes that enable multi-plant growth without increasing manual workload.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve global supplier quality processes within the QMS, including CAQ deployment and standardized inspection frameworks

• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, evaluation, audits, and ongoing performance monitoring

• Own supplier non-conformance management (SCAR/CAPA), root cause analysis, and enforcement of Quality Assurance Agreements (QAA)

• Drive APQP, PPAP, and FAIR processes, optimizing inspection resources through risk-based part categorization (Critical vs. Low Risk)

• Act as the technical bridge between Engineering and Supply Chain, translating key characteristics and design intent into manufacturable supplier standards

• Lead DFMEA and process risk reviews to prevent defects before series production (“Process Defense”)

• Conduct on-site supplier audits to resolve systemic process failures and ensure ISO/industry compliance

• Standardize global inspection plans to ensure consistent “Pass” criteria and trusted data across plants

• Proactively mitigate supply chain risks impacting cost, delivery, and performance while reducing internal inspection effort

• Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, environmental, and customer-specific requirements (e.g., REACH, RoHS, NATO, aerospace/defense standards) and mentor junior staff on low-risk validations

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Mechatronics, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field

• 5+ years’ experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Management, or Supplier Development (aerospace, automotive, or defense preferred)

• Proven expertise in supplier lifecycle management (evaluation, onboarding, FAI/PPAP approval, performance monitoring)

• Strong hands-on knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and core quality tools (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, CAPA)

• Experience conducting supplier audits and working within ISO 9001 (EN9100/VDA 6.3 desirable)

• Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving capabilities in complex production environments

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP QM), MS Office, and quality management software

• Fluent English required; German advantageous; strong communication and stakeholder alignment skills

If you´re intersted in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We´re looking forward to meeting you!