(Junior) Cost and Value 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.

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

• Work with our Lead Cost Engineer on the setup of Hypersonica’s Cost Engineering function and develop tools and content from the ground up
• Support on building and maintaining product cost models, creating transparency on cost structures and key drivers across materials, manufacturing, assembly,and test
• Support make-vs-buy analyses as the company scales toward manufacturing, and model the cost implications of Hypersonica's modular architecture, including variant management and upgrade paths
• Support the supply chain management team to exchange with key suppliers and be part of the tendering process
• Develop affordability and life-cycle cost models tailored to European defence procurement frameworks, supporting Hypersonica's mission to make hypersonic capability accessible across NATO
• Support Programmes in preparing competitive offers and cost estimations

Who you are

• Experience: 4+ years in cost and value engineering in a defence or aerospace context
• Education: Degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, or design engineering (or equivalent), or training in a technical or production environment with later focus on cost engineering topics
• Technical depth: Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (especially composites, ceramics, milling) and cost drivers for advanced metals (including high-temperature alloys), thermal protection systems, and propulsion components
• Methods & tools: Experience with should-cost modelling, parametric estimation, or simulation-based cost engineering
• Defence context: Familiarity with European defence procurement and export control regimes (e.g. ITAR/EAR) is a strong plus
• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, hands-on, and comfortable with ambiguity — ready to build this function from scratch in a fast-moving startup where you'll operate autonomously and wear multiple hats

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.

Hypersonica is an equal-opportunity employer and assesses candidates solely on merit, capability, and potential.