The Role
Own aerodynamic control and flight dynamics simulations for hypersonic vehicles from concept through flight testing. Develop 6-DOF models integrating aerodynamics, mass properties, actuators, and environmental effects. Assess stability, controllability, robustness, and control-surface performance across the flight envelope. Support MIL, SIL, and HIL testing, correlate models with wind-tunnel and flight data, and collaborate with GNC, aerodynamics, aeroelastic, and systems teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
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 the simulation of aerodynamic control and flight dynamics for hypersonic vehicles, from early concept through to flight test.
- Develop and maintain six‑degree‑of‑freedom (6‑DOF) flight dynamics simulations, integrating aerodynamic, mass properties, actuator, and environment models.
- Characterise control surface effectiveness, hinge moments, and control interactions using CFD, engineering‑level methods, and test data.
- Build and maintain the aerodynamic control models and databases used in simulation and control system design.
- Assess vehicle stability, controllability, and handling across the flight envelope, and feed findings into configuration and control surface design.
- Work closely with the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), Aerodynamics, Aeroelastic, and Systems teams to define control requirements and margins.
- Support model‑in‑the‑loop (MIL), software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL), and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) simulation and test activities.
- Run Monte Carlo and dispersion analyses to assess robustness to uncertainties in aerodynamics and vehicle properties.
- Correlate simulation with wind tunnel and flight test data, and document models, assumptions, and results to ensure traceability and configuration control.
Who you are
- A hands‑on Flight Dynamics, Aerodynamics, or Controls Engineer with experience building and using vehicle simulations.
- Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Control Engineering (or related discipline); a postgraduate qualification in flight dynamics or control is a plus.
- Strong grounding in flight mechanics, stability and control, and aerodynamic modelling of control surfaces.
- Experience developing 6‑DOF simulations in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C++.
- Understanding of control system fundamentals and how aerodynamic characteristics affect control design.
- Experience with CFD, wind tunnel data, or flight test data analysis 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.
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.
Skills Required
- Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Control Engineering, or a related discipline
- Experience building and using vehicle simulations
- Strong grounding in flight mechanics, stability and control, and aerodynamic modeling of control surfaces
- Experience developing 6-DOF simulations in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C++
- Understanding of control system fundamentals and aerodynamic effects on control design
- Experience with CFD, wind tunnel data, or flight test data analysis
- Postgraduate qualification in flight dynamics or control
- Ability to make sound engineering judgments with incomplete data in fast-moving, prototype-heavy environments
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The Company
What We Do
Hypersonica is a mission-driven European defense and aerospace company that develops next-generation hypersonic systems for military and civilian applications. Founded in 2023, the company aims to equip European allies with sovereign, cost-effective hypersonic strike capabilities. By utilizing a modular architecture and rapid iteration, they significantly reduce development costs and timelines, focusing on enhancing Europe's defense autonomy and technological independence in a complex global security environment.
