Launch Operations Lead

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 Lead, 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

• Reporting to the Head of Launch Vehicle, build and lead one launch operations team across Germany and the UK, responsible for the practical preparation and execution of solid rocket motor operations.
• Lead hazardous operations involving solid rocket motors, from preparation and auxiliary hardware integration through ground handling, launcher installation and operation during flight test campaigns.
• Develop and maintain assembly, integration and operating procedures for solid rocket motor test firings and launch campaigns.
• Build the team’s capability through training, rehearsals and hands-on coaching, ensuring people, tooling and equipment are ready for deployment.
• Embed a strong safety culture and exercise sound operational judgement as weather, hardware status and range conditions change, working closely with safety specialists and range personnel.
• Liaise with partner launch ranges and production facilities, contributing to ground safety, flight safety and campaign readiness activities.
• Work with Mechanical, Systems and Electrical teams to resolve integration issues and improve hardware assembly and operational readiness.
• Contribute to post-test analysis and anomaly investigations, turning campaign experience into better procedures, equipment and training.

Who you are

• A hands-on mechanical or aerospace engineer, or someone with equivalent practical experience, who combines technical judgement with strong craftsmanship.
• Professional experience delivering assembly, integration, testing or field operations on complex hardware in aerospace, defence or a comparable safety-critical environment.
• Evidence of leading engineers or technicians and taking responsibility for practical delivery, team readiness and safe execution.
• Sound judgement around hazards, with the confidence to challenge assumptions, recognise changing conditions and escalate concerns early.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and CAD models and translate them into clear, workable assembly and operating procedures.
• A practical problem-solver who is comfortable troubleshooting hardware and integration issues in fast-moving prototype environments.
• A clear communicator who can coordinate a team across Germany and the UK and work effectively with international range and facility partners.
• Willingness to travel regularly, including multi-week campaigns at partner launch ranges.
• Solid rocket motor, explosives or launch operations experience is highly valuable. Relevant transferable experience will also be considered.
• 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.