At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing design decisions and bridge product development with industrialisation.
- Company: Join Hypersonica, a pioneering team in European defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, autonomy, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborate with top experts and enjoy a culture of clarity and integrity.
- Why this job: Shape Europe's technological independence while working on high-stakes challenges.
- Qualifications: Senior Manufacturing Engineer with experience in complex systems, ideally aerospace or defence.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Help Build Europe's Hypersonic Capability
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
- You’ll be the focal point between product development (Engineering) and industrialization (Manufacturing)
- Ensure manufacturing optimized design decisions from early project phases. Advise and consult the engineering team based on your expertise in manufacturing.
- Represent manufacturing in concept development, design meetings and design reviews. Flagging risks and proactively developing solutions and suggestions for improvements.
- Follow the entire manufacturing engineering process until full production rate to capture lessons learned and best practices from each program to implement into following design projects.
- Develop tools and processes to ensure an effective and efficient DFM process, supportive to Engineering teams and overall accelerating the time to market and efficiency.
- Suggest technologies and processes to be considered. Initiate strategic competence build-up if beneficial and required to a program.
- Work with vendors and equipment manufacturers to identify innovative solutions to manufacturing problems. Drive co-development for highly specialized processes & technologies.
- Operate as a manufacturing all‑rounder, bridging detailed process design with factory‑level thinking to ensure coherent design and seamless integration into the manufacturing system at exceptional industrialization speed.
- Identify process‑level risks and trade‑offs early, driving mitigations through design, analysis, or process changes.
- Produce and maintain clear documentation, including drawings, specifications, and design justifications.
- Act as a technically credible problem‑solver in ambiguous environments, closing decisions and keeping programs moving at pace.
Who you are
- A senior Manufacturing Engineer with firsthand expertise and experience in manufacturing / assembly. Ideally combined with experience in product design or previous DFM roles.
- Experienced working on complex, integrated manufacturing systems.
Ideally in aerospace, defence, or other high‑performance, cross functional environments under intense time pressure.
- Managing partners and suppliers proficiently and effectively. Motivating everyone to go above and beyond to achieve common goals and timelines.
- Dealing well with ambiguity and uncertainty, willing to anticipate, test and reconsider if necessary.
- Comfortable operating at multiple levels of abstraction from detailed design to work center‑ or system‑level.
- Experienced working on complex, integrated systems, ideally in aerospace, defence, or other high‑performance hardware environments.
- Strong engineering fundamentals covering process- and product design
- Pragmatic and delivery‑focused, able to make sound engineering trade‑offs without over‑engineering
- Comfortable collaborating across disciplines and acting as a technical integrator, not just a specialist.
- Hands‑on by instinct, willing to support build, integration, and test when needed.
- Calm and effective in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments where priorities evolve.
- Motivated by building real, high‑consequence hardware where mechanical and system correctness truly matter.
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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information.
These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment.
Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Senior Manufacturing Engineer - DFM in London employer: Hypersonica
Hypersonica is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets safety in the cutting-edge field of hypersonic technology. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful health and safety initiatives across multiple sites, supported by a culture that values hands-on leadership and cross-functional teamwork. Located at the forefront of technological advancement, our team enjoys unique advantages such as access to state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer - DFM in London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Hypersonica, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manufacturing Engineer - DFM in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Hypersonica specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hypersonica
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hypersonica, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Hypersonica value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
