Laboratory Leader

Description

Summary: Stark is seeking a Laboratory Leader to establish and manage its in-house physical testing capabilities for mechanical and dynamic systems validation in electric motorcycles. Highlights: 1. Lead the establishment and growth of a physical testing laboratory 2. Drive innovation in sustainable premium motorcycles 3. Work on a product people are genuinely passionate about #### **About Stark** Stark builds the world’s most powerful electric motorcycles. From the VARG MX to the road\-legal VARG EX \& SM, our bikes have won world championships and are engineered to outperform anything with a combustion engine. We’re based in Sant Boi, Barcelona, growing fast (77% year\-on\-year), and building a team that will take us even further. If you want to work on a product that people are genuinely obsessed with, this is it. Stark will become the global market leader in premium motorcycles. Building premium motorcycles requires innovation and we need your help to make us succeed Our mission is to lead the way towards a sustainable motorcycle industry, by reducing plastic and CO2 pollution. This will be achieved by building sustainable products that are superior to traditional technology in terms of Performance, Emotion and Design. #### **The Role** We're looking for a **Laboratory Leader** to build and run Stark's in\-house physical testing capability. This is a foundational role — you'll establish the lab infrastructure, define test methodologies, and lead the validation of mechanical and dynamic systems across the motorcycle. You'll be our primary technical authority on what the data is telling us: from identifying root causes of component failures to correlating bench results with on\-vehicle behaviour, and making sure every safety\-critical system is bulletproof before it reaches a rider. #### **What You’ll Do** * Design, equip, and commission a physical testing laboratory for component, subsystem, and system\-level validation of mechanical systems * Define test methodologies, standards, and procedures covering performance, durability, fatigue, and environmental testing * Lead the development and execution of validation plans (DVP\&R) across all development phases, from component qualification to full vehicle sign\-off * Investigate and determine root causes of failures from lab tests and dynamic vehicle testing, delivering clear, actionable conclusions to the engineering team * Translate engineering requirements into testable acceptance criteria and provide data\-driven input to design and supplier decisions * Ensure laboratory activities align with relevant homologation, certification, and industry standards * Build and grow the laboratory team, setting high standards for technical excellence, methodology, and safety culture #### **What you will bring to Stark** * Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar (BS/MS preferred) * 6\+ years of experience in a mechanical or physical testing laboratory, ideally in automotive, motorsport, or precision engineering * Hands\-on experience with test bench instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and physical validation of mechanical assemblies * Proven track record designing and executing validation plans for safety\-critical mechanical systems through a full product lifecycle * Experience establishing or significantly scaling laboratory capabilities — equipment selection, procedure development, team setup * Deep understanding of the relationship between component\-level test results and system/vehicle\-level behaviour * Background in systematic failure analysis and root cause investigation (8D, 5\-Why, or equivalent) * Experience working with homologation and certification standards in automotive or regulated engineering contexts * Outstanding analytical and communication skills; working\-level English required * Bonus: experience with hydraulic actuation, friction interfaces, ABS/traction control validation, data acquisition platforms (HBK, NI, or similar), FEA tools, or a background in motorcycle/motorsport/bicycle product development #### **Why work with us?** * The chance to work on a product people are genuinely passionate about * A fast\-growing company with real momentum * A creative, international team based in Barcelona * Competitive salary and benefits package * Direct access to riders, race teams, and the product — this is not a remote\-from\-the\-product role * Subsidized lunch in our in house restaurant * Free access to our in\-house gym (including weekends!) * 30 days of paid vacation **At Stark, we don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community.** We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, neurodiversity, or disability, feels a true sense of belonging. We believe that diverse teams make better decisions and that a culture of equity is a prerequisite for innovation. **Accessibility:** If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process (such as assistive technology, extra time, or a specific format), please let us know at HR@starkfuture.com. We are here to support you. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are excited to see how your unique perspective can help us grow