The Role
Design, develop, and maintain real-time embedded software for flight and ground systems. Build low-level drivers, interfaces, and middleware for sensors, actuators, and avionics hardware using C/C++. Integrate, debug, and test software on real hardware, including hardware bring-up and performance tuning. Collaborate with electronics, avionics, and systems engineers, and contribute to model-based design and FPGA-adjacent workflows for safety-critical aerospace and defense systems.
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
- Design, develop, and maintain embedded software that runs close to hardware on flight and ground systems.
- Implement real time software on Embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare metal platforms, with a focus on determinism, reliability, and performance.
- Develop and maintain low level drivers, interfaces, and middleware for sensors, actuators, and avionics hardware.
- Write high quality C and/or C++ code that meets the demands of safety critical, high performance systems.
- Work closely with electronics, avionics, and systems engineers to co-design hardware and software interfaces.
- Support integration, debugging, and testing on real hardware, including bring up, fault isolation, and performance tuning.
- Where useful, leverage model based design and code generation (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink) to accelerate development and reduce error.
- Contribute to FPGA adjacent development or VHDL based workflows where they interface with embedded software.
Who you are
- An senior embedded software engineer with 8+ years’ experience working close to hardware in aerospace, defence, or similarly demanding systems.
- Comfortable developing on Embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal platforms, with a strong intuition for timing, determinism, and resource constraints.
- Fluent in C and/or C++, with a focus on correctness, clarity, and long-term maintainability.
- Someone who enjoys debugging on real hardware, not just in simulation or abstraction layers.
- Experienced collaborating tightly with electronics and avionics engineers, and shaping interfaces rather than just consuming them.
- Pragmatic about tools, open to model-based development where it accelerates delivery without obscuring behaviour.
- Curious about FPGA-adjacent workflows and comfortable interfacing with low-level logic when required.
- Motivated by building flight-critical software in a small team where your code directly affects system behaviour.
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
- 8+ years of experience working close to hardware in aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding systems
- Experience developing on Embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal platforms
- Fluency in C and/or C++
- Experience debugging and testing on real hardware
- Experience collaborating with electronics and avionics engineers and shaping hardware-software interfaces
- Eligibility for German Security Clearance
- EU, NATO, or German citizenship
- Experience with model-based development using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink
- Familiarity with FPGA-adjacent workflows and low-level logic
- Experience with VHDL-based workflows
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
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.
