95 Manufacturing Controls Lead - Core automation
Hypersonica
Munich, Germany
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
- Build the baseline for Hypersonica’s manufacturing controls platform. Developing standards on a PLC and controls component level
- Establish partnerships with component suppliers and create preferred standards and preferred component lists
- Create controls specifications for manufacturing equipment vendors and line integrators
- Support integration of in-line hardware and controls into enterprise and manufacturing execution systems and ensure data continuity between systems
- Work closely with manufacturing engineering and operations to capture use cases and requirements towards the controls systems.
- Collaborate with Quality and Data Engineering to define methods and tools to capture critical process information and data in line and ensure traceability requirements.
- Develop code standards / templates to be used by line integrators and equipment manufacturers.
- Create buy-off and testing requirements with regards to functionality, performance and safety, to be achieved during FAT / SAT from a controls perspective.
- Lead and work with international vendors and integrators to secure state-of-the-art equipment for production, supervision and testing.
- Produce and maintain clear documentation, including code, specifications, and design justifications.
- Act as a technically credible problem‑solver in ambiguous environments, closing decisions and keeping programs moving at pace.
Who you are
- A senior automation / controls Engineer with extensive firsthand expertise and experience in automated, complex manufacturing with highest quality standards
- Experienced working on complex, integrated manufacturing systems. Ideally in aerospace, defence, or other high‑performance, cross functional environments under intense time pressure.
- Able to work in green field, shaping policy and standards from ground off.
- Dealing well with ambiguity and uncertainty, willing to anticipate, test and reconsider if necessary.
- Strong automation engineering fundamentals and understanding. Covering various levels of integration from an MES level down to PLC code structure.
- Pragmatic and delivery‑focused, able to make sound engineering trade‑offs without over‑engineering
- Comfortable collaborating across disciplines and acting as a technical integrator, not just a specialist.
- Hands‑on by instinct, willing to support build, integration, and test when needed.
- Calm and effective in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments where priorities evolve.
- Motivated by building real, high‑consequence hardware where mechanical and system correctness truly matter.
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.
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.
