AIT Engineer, Mechanical

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

 

• Bring hypersonic vehicles from design concept to flight ‑ ready  reality, owning mechanical Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activities.  

• Develop mechanical assembly and integration procedures directly from engineering drawings and CAD models, ensuring accuracy and build readiness.  

• Translate mechanical design intent into clear, executable build instructions for structures, mechanisms, and subsystems.  

• Define and document mechanical assembly sequences, from  component  and  sub ‑ assembly  builds through to full vehicle integration.  

• Identify  required tooling, fixtures, torque specifications, and consumables needed to  safely and efficiently execute mechanical integration .  

• Develop build specifications, documentation, and tracking processes to ensure quality, traceability, and configuration control.  

• Support  hands ‑ on  mechanical assembly and integration, working closely with engineers and technicians to resolve  real ‑ time  build challenges.  

• Collaborate with Mechanical, Systems, and Electrical teams to resolve integration issues and improve design for manufacturability and assembly.  

• Support integration testing activities and ensure mechanical readiness for functional and environmental testing.  

Who you are

• A  hands ‑ on  Mechanical AIT Engineer with experience taking hardware from drawings to assembled systems.  

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related discipline).  

• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings and CAD models and translate them into assembly procedures.  

• Experience with precision mechanical assembly, structures, or mechanisms.  

• Comfortable working in  fast ‑ moving ,  prototype ‑ heavy  environments.  

• Detail ‑ oriented  with a focus on build quality, tolerances, and configuration control.  

• Strong  problem ‑ solving  skills, with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical integration issues.  

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.

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)  

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.