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). Hypersonica is an equal-opportunity employer and assesses candidates solely on merit, capability, and potential.