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.

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.