Tactical Data Link Expert

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 in Berlin and Munich, 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, 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

Support the development, integration, testing, and operational use of tactical data link capabilities for STARK’s unmanned systems, Ground Control Stations, and wider command-and-control environments. You will help ensure that our systems can communicate reliably and securely with military networks, command posts, allied platforms, and mission systems. A key part of the role is to evaluate, understand, and integrate tactical communication standards and technologies such as Link 16, Link 22, SATCOM, and other military data link solutions. You will translate operational communication requirements into practical integration concepts, test setups, and deployable system configurations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK

• Tactical Data Link Integration: Support the integration of tactical data link capabilities such as Link 16, Link 22, SATCOM, and other military communication systems into STARK platforms and Ground Control Station environments.
• Interoperability Concepts: Define and support communication concepts that enable reliable data exchange between unmanned systems, GCS setups, command centers, allied platforms, and external mission systems.
• Requirements Translation: Translate operational and military communication requirements into technical integration requirements, interface definitions, test needs, and subsystem-level implementation concepts.
• System Interface Support: Work with engineering, software, network, RF, modem, antenna, and GCS teams to align interfaces, protocols, data flows, configuration requirements, and integration constraints.
• SATCOM & Beyond-Line-of-Sight Support: Support concepts and integration activities for SATCOM, long-range communication paths, and other beyond-line-of-sight connectivity options.
• Testing & Validation: Plan and support lab tests, field tests, interoperability checks, and validation activities for tactical data link and communication setups.
• Security & Reliability: Contribute to secure, robust, and mission-ready communication architectures, considering availability, latency, data integrity, authentication, and operational constraints.
• Supplier & Partner Coordination: Work with external suppliers, partners, military stakeholders, and internal teams to assess data link options, integration dependencies, and technical feasibility.
• Documentation: Document data link concepts, interface assumptions, configuration settings, integration dependencies, test results, and recommended operational setups in a clear and maintainable way.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION

• Experience: Around 5 years of professional experience in tactical communications, military data links, SATCOM, RF systems, communication engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• Tactical Data Link Knowledge: Practical understanding of military data link technologies such as Link 16, Link 22, SATCOM, or comparable tactical communication systems.
• Systems Understanding: Ability to understand complex communication architectures involving platforms, radios, antennas, modems, networks, command systems, software interfaces, and operational workflows.
• Interoperability Mindset: Strong understanding of how different systems exchange data, how interfaces are defined, and how interoperability is tested and validated.
• Technical Communication: Ability to translate between operational users, engineering teams, software developers, RF specialists, suppliers, and program stakeholders.
• Testing & Documentation: Experience supporting technical tests, integration trials, validation activities, or operational demonstrations, including structured documentation of results and findings.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify communication issues, integration gaps, configuration problems, and practical solutions.
• Communication: Solid English skills are required. German skills for technical communication, stakeholder alignment, and documentation are a plus.
• Team Fit: Ability to work collaboratively in a small, cross-functional team and communicate clearly and reliably in fast-moving engineering environments.
• Clearance: Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance required for the position.

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience in defence, military communications, command-and-control systems, aerospace, naval systems, UAVs, or other mission-critical operational environments.
• Prior exposure to NATO communication standards, tactical networks, joint fires, air defence, command posts, or battlefield management systems.
• Experience with SATCOM terminals, tactical radios, MANET, IP-based tactical networks, or professional communication equipment.
• Experience integrating unmanned systems into wider military communication architectures.
• Understanding of network security, encryption concepts, authentication, routing, IP networking, and secure data exchange.