Lead Propulsion Engineer

We’re building aircraft that fly faster, further, and to space.

Hypersonix is an Australian aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing company building hydrogen-powered scramjet aircraft. We work at the bleeding edge of hypersonic technology, delivering aircraft that fly faster, reach further, and open new pathways to space – and we’re a small, highly capable team doing work that genuinely matters.

The Opportunity

As Lead Propulsion Engineer, you’ll lead a team of scramjet propulsion and fluid systems engineers working across the full engineering lifecycle – taking ownership of the fuel and engine systems that power our hypersonic flight vehicles and their support equipment.  

This is a hands-on leadership role. You’ll combine line management, technical mentoring and career development for engineers at every level of experience – with review and approval of propulsion and fluid systems engineering artefacts. As our propulsion and fluid systems subject matter expert, you’ll provide direction and advice across the whole engineering team.

What You’ll Own

• Act as subject matter expert across the whole engineering team, driving design reviews and failure investigations, and collaborating with engineers and designers to deliver high-performing propulsion and fluid systems.
• Lead review and approval of engine, fuel, and fluid system designs for hypersonic vehicles and ground support equipment
• Own propulsion and fluid systems design integrity, reviewing and approving engineering artefacts, engine and fluid system designs, and ensuring rigorous Design for Manufacture, Reliability, and Failure Modes Effects Analysis
• Guide technical execution, directing your team’s use of CFD, thermal, and structural analysis tools across the full engineering lifecycle — from concept through design, test, and in-service support
• Push our technology forward, contributing directly to next-generation propulsion technology and process improvement.
• Lead and develop the team – line management, technical mentoring and career development, guiding use of CFD, thermal, and structural analysis tools. 

Life at Hypersonix

We’re a 60-person company moving fast in one of the most demanding fields in aerospace. Our culture values creative thinking and practical solutions that get results. You’ll work alongside a passionate, collaborative team in an environment built on flexibility and trust rather than rigid timekeeping.

To thrive here, you’ll need to embrace change, stay resilient, and bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. Priorities shift fast — you’ll need to adapt just as fast and genuinely enjoy the pace rather than just tolerate it. You’ll be part of a tight-knit team delivering bleeding-edge solutions under real deadline pressure, so strong problem-solving instincts and flexibility aren’t nice-to-haves — they’re how the work gets done.

What You Bring

To hit the ground running in this role, you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical or propulsion-related Engineering 
• CPEng / RPEQ (held or working toward)
• 5+ years in propulsion, fluid systems, combustion, or thermal-fluid design — ideally with exposure to scramjet or high-speed air-breathing propulsion or closely related combustion/aerothermodynamics
• Proven experience leading a team of engineers, with a hands-on, collaborative leadership style
• Experience in configuration management and Product Lifecycle Management systems for propulsion/fluid system designs and CAD data. 
• Excellent communication skills – you can break down complex technical concepts clearly for any audience, and you speak clearly and concisely.
• Sharp attention to detail and organisational skills, managing multiple projects and deadlines at once.
• Ability to obtain any applicable security clearance or background checks. 
• Right to live and work in Australia. 

Bonus points: hypersonics experience, a Master’s/PhD in propulsion or combustion, hot-fire test campaign experience, hydrogen or cryogenic propellant systems knowledge, or hands-on Siemens NX / Teamcentre skills.

Why Hypersonix?

You’ll be working on hardware that’s already flown — DART AE, our hydrogen-fuelled scramjet demonstrator, completed a real flight test this year. This isn’t a paper study. We are a fast-moving team building things that don’t exist anywhere else in the world, with your name on the propulsion system that gets it there.

Ready to lead the propulsion team behind Australia’s hypersonics program? Apply now.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Equity participation
• Flexible working – we care about output, not hours
• Funded Professional development
• Confidential employee assistance program