Chemist

Hypersonica GmbH; Greater London; Presencial; GBP 60.000 - 90.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Hypersonica is seeking a hands-on Chemist with experience in energetic materials for aerospace/defense applications. You will own materials chemistry from selection to service life assessment, using DSC, TGA, FTIR, GC‑MS, HPLC, and rheology to drive engineering decisions.

The role requires strong safety focus and the ability to work autonomously in a fast-moving, prototype-heavy environment. Ideal candidates hold a degree in Chemistry (PhD preferred) and have experience with energetic materials

Formación

• Hands-on chemist with energetic materials experience.
• Experience with polymers, propellants or high‑performance materials.
• Analytical skills with DSC/TGA/FTIR/GC‑MS/HPLC data to guide engineering decisions.

Responsabilidades

• Own the chemistry for booster and propulsion materials from selection to production support.
• Characterise energetic/non-energetic materials using thermal, spectroscopic, chromatographic and mechanical methods.
• Plan and run compatibility, stability, ageing studies to predict service life.
• Carry out sensitivity and thermal stability testing and provide hazard data.
• Work with design teams to assess material degradation and support decisions.
• Manage suppliers and test laboratories, including acceptance criteria.

Conocimientos

Energetic materials

Propellants

Polymers

Data analysis

Python

Educación

Degree in Chemistry

PhD preferred

Herramientas

DSC

TGA

FTIR

GC-MS

HPLC

DMA

Descripción del empleo

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

• Own the chemistry for booster and propulsion materials, from material selection and qualification through to production support and in-service performance.
• Characterise energetic and non-energetic materials, including polymers, adhesives, liners, and composites, using thermal, spectroscopic, chromatographic, and mechanical methods.
• Plan and run compatibility, stability, and ageing studies, and use the results to predict service life and support safety decisions.
• Carry out and interpret sensitiveness and thermal stability testing, and provide data for hazard assessments and hazard classification.
• Work closely with our stress and design teams to provide material properties, assess how materials degrade, and support analysis and design decisions.
• Specify, qualify, and technically manage material suppliers and test laboratories, including incoming inspection and acceptance criteria.
• Investigate material failures, anomalies, and non-conformances, find the root cause, and give clear disposition advice.
• Help set up and run safe laboratory operations for energetic and hazardous materials, working with the HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) and Quality teams.
• Manage chemical compliance, including hazardous substances, safety data sheets, and REACH/CLP obligations.
• Write clear, traceable test procedures, material specifications, and reports under configuration control.

Who you are

• A hands-on Chemist with experience in energetic materials, propellants, polymers, or other high-performance materials for aerospace or defence.
• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science (or a related discipline); a PhD or other postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Practical experience with analytical methods such as DSC, TGA, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC, DMA, or rheology, and turning the results into engineering decisions.
• Experience with material compatibility, stability, or ageing studies, ideally in a safety-critical setting.
• A strong safety mindset and experience working with hazardous materials under formal safety rules.
• Experience with energetic materials testing, hazard classification, or explosives handling is a strong advantage.
• Programming skills (e.g. Python or MATLAB) for data analysis and automation are an advantage.
• Comfortable making sound scientific judgements with incomplete data in fast-moving, prototype-heavy environments, without compromising on safety.

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.

We review every application and aim to respond to all candidates within two weeks, whether the answer is yes or no.