Senior Programme Manager

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 Senior Programme Manager, 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.

• Win, shape, and deliver defence programmes from early engagement through execution, owning outcomes end to end.
• Act as a market-facing leader, managing customer relationships with military, government, and defence stakeholders.
• Translate customer needs, operational context, and policy drivers into clear programme plans and delivery priorities.
• Lead programme execution across internal teams and partners, maintaining momentum, clarity, and accountability.
• Balance commercial, technical, and delivery realities, making hard trade-offs when required.
• Develop and articulate thought leadership, concept papers, and programme narratives that influence customers and partners.
• Support business development by identifying opportunities, shaping bids, and converting interest into funded work.
• Represent Hypersonica with credibility, discipline, and mission focus in high-stakes customer environments.

• A programme or delivery professional with 5+ years’ experience in defence, aerospace, policy, or adjacent high-consequence sectors.
• Comfortable operating in market-facing roles, with real exposure to customers, partners, or stakeholders.
• Fluent native-level German and fluent English, comfortable operating in bilingual, cross cultural defence environments.
• Commercially minded, with experience balancing delivery, growth, and customer trust.
• Prior military service or close operational exposure is a strong advantage.
• Able to operate confidently with senior customers, not just internally.
• Clear thinker and strong writer, capable of producing credible programme narratives and thought pieces.
• Thrives in high-ownership environments where accountability is real and visibility is high.
• Motivated by building and delivering real capability, not managing process or maintaining status.

• 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.