UK General Counsel: Defence Tech & Growth

Hypersonica GmbH; London; On-site; NOK 1,531,000 - 1,977,000; Full time

Job summary

Hypersonica GmbH is expanding its UK legal capabilities and seeks a General Counsel (UK) to lead the function and partner with the leadership team. You will oversee complex commercial, regulatory and governance matters, including government programmes, strategic partnerships, and export controls, while collaborating closely with the Group GC and broader Group.

You will shape how the UK function operates, set contracting standards, manage external counsel, and ensure risks are visible and aligned

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with experience advising complex businesses on commercial, corporate and regulatory matters.
• Experience negotiating sophisticated commercial and technology agreements where legal and business realities intertwine.
• Comfortable with export controls, sanctions, defence contracting, security requirements and national security regulation.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the UK legal function as Hypersonica scales.
• Advise founders and UK leadership on strategic, commercial and regulatory matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex customer and technology agreements.
• Support government programmes and defence opportunities from engagement through delivery.
• Advise on IP strategy, foreground/background IP and licensing.
• Lead export controls, sanctions, end use restrictions and other regulatory matters.
• Navigate UK public sector and defence contracting requirements.
• Advise on corporate governance, Board matters and fundraising.
• Collaborate with German business and Group on cross-border alignment.
• Partner with People on senior employment matters and equity.

Skills

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

IP strategy

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Hypersonica GmbH is expanding its UK legal capabilities and seeks a General Counsel (UK) to lead the function and partner with the leadership team. You will oversee complex commercial, regulatory and governance matters, including government programmes, strategic partnerships, and export controls, while collaborating closely with the Group GC and broader Group.

You will shape how the UK function operates, set contracting standards, manage external counsel, and ensure risks are visible and aligned