STARK
(Senior) Perception/Vision Engineer - Maritime (all genders)
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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.
About the Team
Minerva is STARK's command and control software — the brain that connects operators to autonomous systems across multiple domains in real time. The Minerva team is a small, senior software group based across the UK, Germany, Greece & Ukraine working directly with our systems and hardware teams to build mission-critical C2 capabilities deployed in active operational environments.
We move fast, ship real software, and operate under constraints most engineers never encounter — low-bandwidth networks, air-gapped devices, and high-stakes decision loops. There is no room for abstraction for its own sake. Everything we build ends up in the hands of real operators in the field.
Your Mission
You will be developing cutting-edge Computer Vision solutions and algorithms for our autonomous vehicles, bringing these onto our hardware in real time. Specifically, you will lead the adaptation of our perception and vision systems to the unique, harsh, and dynamic challenges of marine environments for our Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and maritime UAV platforms.
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Responsibilities
- Algorithm Development: Code and optimize advanced algorithms for object detection, classification, tracking, target guidance, and target re-identification.
- Maritime Perception Adaptation: Tailor vision systems to overcome severe maritime environmental noise, including water glare, fog, heavy rain, wave movements, spray, and low-contrast target profiles.
- Hardware Integration: Integrate computer vision pipelines onto on-vehicle edge hardware for real-time inference and offboard control.
- Multi-Sensor Correlation: Align camera-based perception outputs (bounding boxes around shadow fleet vessels, coastlines, or navigation hazards) with AIS, radar, and sonar inputs.
- Full Lifecycle Ownership: Work through software design and architecture, all the way through to deployment and live harbor/sea trials.
- Challenge Requirements: Constantly challenge assumptions and requirements to determine what adds direct operational value for maritime operators.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of +7 years of experience working as a Computer Vision generalist or perception engineer.
- Advanced proficiency in Python and formidable skills in C++.
- Demonstrated experience in object tracking, target detection, or navigation algorithms.
- Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, high-trust, and dynamic startup environment.
- Ability to travel as needed for maritime live field testing.
- Deep knowledge of camera systems working principles.
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Nice to Have
- Prior experience in marine robotics, maritime autonomy, USVs, UAVs, or autonomous marine shipping.
- Experience with multispectral or thermal sensor calibration and fusion (EO/IR, LiDAR, Radar).
- Deep familiarity with CUDA, TensorRT, PyTorch, and OpenCV.
STARK Defence UK
STARK Defence UK has achieved the ERS - The Defence Employer Recognition Bronze award 2026.
Talent Contact:
Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner, via talent@stark-defence.com
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunity
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 race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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