Ground Software 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 Ground Software 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.

• 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.

• A software engineer with 3+ 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.

• 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.