Launch Operations Engineer

Help Build Europe’s Hypersonic Capability

At Hypersonica, we’re redefining what’s possible in European defence technology. We exist to deliver speed, resilience, and technological independence at a pace that sets a new standard. We are a small, elite team working on problems that matter, and solving them fast.

As our Launch Operations Engineer, you’re not stepping into a predefined role. You’re joining a talent dense environment where every individual shapes the direction of the company. Our philosophy is to hire a small number of exceptional people with broad, deep technical capability, strong judgement, and the ability to operate autonomously.

We hire for talent, not rigid boxes. This role represents a business need, but the way it evolves will be shaped by the individual. If you’ve achieved what others said was impossible, or you bring a unique combination of skills that doesn’t fit a traditional mould, we want to hear from you. The work you do here directly contributes to Europe’s technological independence.

What you’ll do

• Work as part of our launch operations team across Germany and the UK, supporting the practical preparation and execution of flight test campaigns.
• Carry out the preparation, assembly, integration and handling of solid rocket motors and associated hardware in accordance with approved procedures and training.
• Support motor movement, installation on launchers and operation during test campaigns at partner launch ranges.
• Contribute to clear assembly, integration and operating procedures, using hands-on experience to improve how the team works.
• Take ownership of the team’s equipment and specialist tooling, keeping them organised, maintained and ready for deployment.
• Work with Mechanical, Systems and Electrical teams to resolve integration issues and support payload and auxiliary hardware integration and testing.
• Maintain accurate assembly and configuration records, and contribute to hardware checks and campaign readiness activities.
• Work with range and production partners during preparation and deployment, adapting to field conditions while maintaining disciplined, safe working practices.
• Contribute to post-test analysis and anomaly investigations, capturing practical lessons for future campaigns.

Who you are

• A hands-on engineer with a mechanical, aerospace or related background. We also welcome experienced technicians with strong relevant practical capability.
• Strong mechanical assembly skills, good dexterity and the ability to work carefully and confidently with complex hardware and specialist tools.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models and technical instructions and translate them into practical assembly work.
• Sound technical judgement and an awareness of hazards, with the confidence to raise concerns when conditions or hardware status change.
• A practical problem-solver who can troubleshoot mechanical and integration issues and work closely with engineers to resolve them.
• Comfort working in fast-moving prototype environments, with close attention to safety, build quality and configuration control.
• A reliable team member who communicates clearly with colleagues and external partners.
• Willingness to travel regularly, including multi-week campaigns at partner launch ranges.
• Solid rocket motor, explosives or launch operations experience is highly valuable, but is not essential if you bring strong transferable practical experience.
• Training in the safe handling of explosives, or legal eligibility and willingness to complete the required training.

What we offer

• A mission driven environment with the opportunity to work on one of Europe’s most consequential defence challenges, with direct impact on sovereign capability and security.
• Daily collaboration with top experts across engineering, operations, and defence, with real opportunity to learn from the best, contribute, and grow.
• High ownership and autonomy; no time tracking, no micromanagement, just clear objectives and accountability for outcomes.
• A fast paced environment where good ideas are implemented quickly, and feedback from test and flight drives real decisions.
• A culture that values clarity, integrity, and excellence, and supports people who take initiative and push boundaries responsibly.
• Competitive compensation and real share options aligned to responsibility and impact, not tenure or hierarchy.