The Role
Own aeroelastic analysis of hypersonic vehicles from concept through testing, covering flutter, divergence, panel flutter, thermal effects, aeroservoelasticity, modal analysis, and ground vibration testing. Develop coupled structural and aerodynamic models, correlate simulations with test data, support in-house simulation tools, and collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, thermal, and GNC 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 aeroelastic analysis of hypersonic vehicles, from early concept through to ground and flight test.
- Assess static and dynamic aeroelastic behaviour, including flutter, divergence, control surface effectiveness, and panel flutter.
- Develop and maintain aeroelastic models that couple structural dynamics with steady and unsteady aerodynamics.
- Account for thermal effects on structural stiffness and dynamic response in aerothermoelastic assessments.
- Work closely with the Aerodynamics, Structures, Thermal, and Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) teams to define design requirements and margins.
- Support structural dynamics activities, including modal analysis and ground vibration testing (GVT), and correlate models with test data.
- Assess aeroservoelastic interactions between the vehicle structure and the flight control system.
- Contribute to the development of in‑house coupled simulation tools and workflows alongside the numerical development team.
- Document methods, assumptions, and results to ensure traceability and configuration control.
Who you are
- A hands‑on Aeroelastician with experience taking aeroelastic analysis from model to test‑validated result.
- Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline); a postgraduate qualification in aeroelasticity, structural dynamics, or fluid–structure interaction is a plus.
- Strong grounding in structural dynamics, unsteady aerodynamics, and aeroelastic stability.
- Experience with finite element (FE) tools (e.g. MSC Nastran, Abaqus, Ansys) and aeroelastic or coupled analysis methods.
- Programming skills (e.g. Python or MATLAB) for automation, data processing, and building reduced‑order models.
- Experience with ground vibration testing, modal correlation, 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 we undertake, applicants must be a EU/Nato/German citizen, and be eligible for German Security Clearance.
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, or a related discipline
- Experience performing aeroelastic analysis from modeling through test-validated results
- Strong knowledge of structural dynamics, unsteady aerodynamics, and aeroelastic stability
- Experience with finite element tools such as MSC Nastran, Abaqus, or Ansys
- Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for automation, data processing, and reduced-order modeling
- Postgraduate qualification in aeroelasticity, structural dynamics, or fluid-structure interaction
- Experience with ground vibration testing, modal correlation, or flight test data analysis
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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.
