Propulsion 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

• Own propulsion engineering for hypersonic vehicles, from early concept trades through to integrated, test-proven flight hardware.
• Develop and maintain propulsion performance models and use them in vehicle-level trade studies, mission analysis, and design decisions.
• Define propulsion system requirements, interfaces, and margins with the Systems, Aerodynamics, Aerothermal, Structures, and GNC teams.
• Lead how the propulsion system is integrated into the vehicle, including mechanical, thermal, and electrical interfaces and how they affect vehicle performance.
• Plan, run, and analyse propulsion test campaigns, from component-level tests through to integrated system tests. Work hands-on with test facilities and suppliers.
• Correlate test data with models, and feed the results back into design and performance predictions.
• Support CFD and analysis of internal flows and combustion-related phenomena where needed, working with the simulation teams.
• Manage propulsion suppliers and subcontractors technically, including specifications, design reviews, and acceptance testing.
• Put safe test operations and hazard analysis in place for propulsion activities, working with the HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) and Quality teams.
• Document designs, analyses, test procedures, and results to ensure traceability and configuration control.

Who you are

• A hands-on Propulsion Engineer with experience taking propulsion hardware or systems through analysis, test, and integration.
• Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (or related discipline); a postgraduate qualification in propulsion, combustion, or thermofluids is a plus.
• Strong grounding in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and propulsion system performance.
• Experience planning and running propulsion or combustion tests, including instrumentation and data analysis.
• Programming skills (e.g. Python or MATLAB) for performance modelling, data processing, and automation. Experience with CFD tools (e.g. Ansys Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or similar) is an advantage.
• Experience working with suppliers and test facilities in aerospace or defence programmes is a strong advantage.
• Comfortable making sound engineering judgements with incomplete data in fast‑moving, prototype‑heavy environments.

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.