At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge ground software for hypersonic systems.
- Company: Join Hypersonica, a leader in European defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, share options, and a mission-driven environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with top experts in a fast-paced, innovative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Europe's technological independence and security.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering with expertise in C++ and user-facing applications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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 and develop ground software used for mission preparation, execution, and monitoring of hypersonic systems.
- Build robust, user facing applications for Linux and Windows environments that support operators and engineers during real missions.
- Implement high performance C++ software with a focus on reliability, usability, and maintainability.
- Develop intuitive user interfaces and workflows to visualise system state, mission data, and operational status.
- Integrate ground software with simulation, test, and live system interfaces to support end to end operations.
- Work closely with systems, GNC, test, and operations teams to translate mission needs into effective software tools.
- Where useful, leverage UI frameworks (e.g. Qt) and mapping or visualisation SDKs to accelerate development.
Who you are:
- A Senior software engineer with 5+ years’ experience building ground or operator-facing software in aerospace, defence, or complex technical domains.
- Comfortable developing user-facing applications on Linux and Windows, with an understanding of operational reliability.
- Fluent in modern C++, with an instinct for performance, robustness, and clean architecture.
- Someone who cares deeply about operator experience, clarity, and usability in high-pressure environments.
- Experienced translating mission and system needs into practical software tools, not just features.
- Pragmatic about tooling, with exposure to UI frameworks such as Qt and an interest in visualisation or mapping technologies.
- Able to move quickly in a startup environment, balancing polish with delivery speed.
- Motivated by building software that operators trust during real missions, not demo-only systems.
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.
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. If you're interested you can apply directly to this role via our website. We review every application and aim to respond to all candidates within two weeks, whether the answer is yes or no.
Senior Ground Software Engineer employer: Hypersonica
At Hypersonica, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a mission-driven environment where innovation and autonomy thrive. Our small, elite team collaborates closely on critical defence challenges, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth while directly contributing to Europe's technological independence. With a culture that values integrity, clarity, and excellence, we empower our employees to take initiative and push boundaries, all while providing competitive compensation and meaningful share options.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ground Software Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Hypersonica for a Senior Ground Software Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ground Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Hypersonica, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Hypersonica, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hypersonica
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Hypersonica.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Hypersonica. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Hypersonica love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
