At a Glance
- Tasks: Support defence programmes and drive complex projects with a talented team.
- Company: Join Hypersonica, a leader in European defence technology innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, share options, and a mission-driven work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy high ownership, rapid progression, and collaboration with experts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Europe's technological independence and security.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in a fast-paced environment; fluent in German and English.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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
- Support the day-to-day delivery of defence programmes and major workstreams, helping to maintain momentum across schedules, priorities, and execution.
- Translate customer requirements, contractual inputs, and complex information into clear plans, milestones, presentations, and actionable next steps.
- Work directly with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders, supporting meetings, programme reviews, workshops, and delivery discussions.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, business development, and external suppliers to keep programmes moving at pace.
- Track progress, risks, actions, and dependencies, identifying issues early and helping drive them through to resolution.
- Conduct structured analysis to support programme, commercial, and strategic decisions.
- Support commercial and programme activities, including delivery planning, customer reporting, change control, and the preparation of proposals.
- Prepare clear, concise programme materials that enable fast, high-quality decision-making.
- Take ownership of defined workstreams and increasingly complex responsibilities as you develop in the role.
- Learn by doing, operating close to real customers, real technology, real constraints, and real delivery pressure.
Who you are
- An ambitious early-career professional with at least 2-3 years of experience in management consulting, Def Tech, aerospace, a technology start-up, or another demanding and high-paced environment.
- Experienced in breaking down complex or ambiguous problems, structuring your thinking, and turning analysis into practical action.
- Comfortable operating between analysis and execution; you do not want a role confined to producing slides, reports, or recommendations.
- Fluent or native-level in German and fluent in English, with the confidence to operate in bilingual, cross-cultural settings.
- A strong communicator who can produce clear, concise, and well-structured written materials.
- Highly organised, dependable, and able to manage several priorities without losing attention to detail.
- Comfortable interacting with senior stakeholders, customers, technical teams, and external partners.
- Curious about how complex programmes succeed commercially, technically, and organisationally.
- Motivated by responsibility, rapid progression, and visible impact rather than narrow task ownership or rigid hierarchies.
- Energised by working in a small, fast-moving team where expectations are high and learning is accelerated.
- Interested in defence, advanced technology, and contributing to European sovereign capability.
- A background in strategy, operations, engineering, technology, public policy, international relations, or a similarly relevant discipline would be valuable.
A finance background is not required.
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 leading experts across engineering, operations, business development, and defence, with genuine opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.
- Exposure to the full lifecycle of complex defence programmes, from customer requirements and commercial strategy through to engineering delivery and flight testing.
- High ownership and autonomy: no time tracking and no micromanagement, just clear objectives and accountability for outcomes.
- A fast-paced environment where good ideas are implemented quickly and feedback from testing 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 with responsibility and impact, not tenure or hierarchy.
Hypersonica is an equal-opportunity employer and assesses candidates solely on merit, capability, and potential.
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(Senior) Programme Associate 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) Programme Associate
✨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) Programme Associate. 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) Programme Associate
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.
