HIL Systems Engineer

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.   As our HIL Systems Engineer, 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

Lead the design, setup, and operation of Hypersonica’s Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) laboratory, establishing it as a core development and test capability.

Define HIL architectures that integrate real hardware, software, and simulated environments to support system development, integration, and commissioning.

Reproduce on-site plant and system configurations within the HIL to derisk commissioning, integration, and operational readiness.

Integrate avionics, flight software, sensors, actuators, and ground systems into the HIL environment for end to end testing.

Support commissioning phases by using the HIL to identify, reproduce, and resolve system level issues and bugs.

Partner closely with systems, avionics, software, guidance, navigation, and test teams to ensure the HIL reflects real system behaviour.

Use test results and field feedback to continuously evolve the HIL capability and improve iteration speed.

Who you are

A systems or test engineer with 4+ years’ experience working with HIL, SIL, or integrated system test environments in aerospace, defence, or complex industrial systems.

Experienced taking test infrastructure from concept to operational use, not just maintaining existing labs.

Comfortable reasoning across hardware, software, and system boundaries, and understanding how real-world behaviour emerges.

Someone who enjoys turning ambiguity into structure in a fast-moving programme.

Trusted to diagnose system level issues and think in terms of interactions, not isolated components.

Able to balance engineering rigour with iteration speed, prioritising what accelerates learning and de-risks delivery.

Motivated by building a core capability from scratch that directly accelerates integration, commissioning, and flight readiness.

Energised by ownership and responsibility in a small team where your work underpins mission success.

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.   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.