Lead Aerodynamics 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.
 
By joining Hypersonica, 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

- Lead the design and optimisation of the vehicle's aeroloft to meet static stability, target aerodynamic coefficients, and dynamic stability requirements across all flow regimes, from subsonic through hypersonic.

- Own the aerodynamic shaping trade space, balancing performance, stability, and manufacturability constraints against mission requirements.

- Develop and run CFD, engineering-level, and semi-empirical aerodynamic models to characterise vehicle performance across the full flight envelope.

- Define and refine aerodynamic coefficient databases for use in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) design and vehicle performance analysis.

- Assess dynamic stability and control derivatives across flow regimes, identifying and resolving stability margins issues early in design.

- Work closely with Systems, GNC, Structures, and Propulsion teams to ensure aeroloft decisions are integrated with wider vehicle architecture and requirements.

- Support correlation of simulation and modelling outputs against wind tunnel and flight test data, feeding lessons learned back into design.

- Set technical direction and best practice for aerodynamic design and simulation methods as the discipline lead.

- Communicate aerodynamic performance, risk, and trade-off decisions clearly to engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Who you are

- A Senior Aerodynamicist with a track record of leading aeroloft design and optimisation on high-speed or hypersonic vehicle programmes.

- Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or a related discipline; advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in aerodynamics or a related field is advantageous.

- Deep expertise across the full flow regime spectrum, subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic, including their distinct modelling and design challenges.

- Strong hands-on capability with CFD tools and aerodynamic simulation methods, and sound judgement on when to apply high-fidelity versus engineering-level approaches.

- Experience developing and validating aerodynamic coefficient databases used for stability and control analysis.

- Strong grasp of static and dynamic stability principles and their translation into practical shaping decisions.

- Comfortable operating with a high degree of ownership, setting direction for the aerodynamics discipline rather than executing a narrowly defined scope.

- Excellent communicator, able to defend design decisions and trade-offs to technical and non-technical stakeholders alike.

Security and Eligibility Requirement

Due to the nature of the work with the UK MOD, applicants must be a British Citizen (or Dual UK national with British citizenship) and eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and, where required, Developed Vetting (DV)

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.

At Hypersonica, every hire raises the bar. We are deliberately small, intensely capable, and deeply mission-driven. If this role feels like a strong fit, or if you believe you bring something exceptional that goes beyond the description, we encourage you to apply.
 
Hypersonica is an equal-opportunity employer and assesses candidates solely on merit, capability, and potential.
 
You can apply directly to this role or reach out to Nathan Sweeney, Head of Talent. We review every application and aim to respond to all candidates within two weeks, whether the answer is yes or no.