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hypersonica-prod

90 Licensing Officer

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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 and drive the licensing and regulatory approval of explosives manufacturing, storage, and transport activities across Hypersonica’s operations.

  • Lead the end‑to‑end application process for explosives manufacturing and storage licences with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), from initiation through approval.

  • Ensure continuous compliance with UK Explosives Regulations 2014 (ER2014) across manufacturing, storage, handling, and transport of high‑hazard explosives.

  • Plan and manage the logistics and regulatory approvals required for the transport of explosive materials, ensuring full compliance with licensing and safety obligations.

  • Develop and provide site compliance plans covering explosives storage, raw material handling, segregation, and safety distances.

  • Support planning and regulatory interface for the booster site, including coordination with industry partners where applicable.

  • Progress and manage applications related to booster manufacturing and storage, acting as the primary regulatory focal point with HSE.

  • Ensure alignment with COMAH and COSHH requirements where applicable, identifying overlaps, risks, and mitigation strategies.

  • Work closely with facilities, safety, operations, and propulsion teams to ensure licensing requirements are reflected in site design and operating procedures.

  • Maintain accurate records, documentation, and regulatory evidence to support inspections, audits, and licence conditions.

  • Proactively identify regulatory risks and constraints, driving early resolution to protect schedule and operational readiness.

  • Act as the internal authority on explosives licensing, enabling safe, lawful, and timely progression of explosive operations.

Who you are

  • An experienced Explosives Licensing Officer or regulatory specialist with hands‑on experience securing licences for explosive materials.

  • Strong, practical knowledge of UK Explosives Regulations (ER2014) and how they are applied in real operational environments.

  • Direct industry experience working on explosive or high‑hazard sites, with a clear understanding of real‑world implementation challenges.

  • Familiar with COMAH and COSHH legislation, and how these frameworks interact with explosives manufacturing and storage activities.

  • Experienced managing HSE engagement and approval processes, including responding to regulatory feedback and conditions.

  • Highly organised and detail‑driven, with a strong instinct for regulatory discipline, documentation, and traceability.

  • Able to work confidently across technical, safety, facilities, and operational teams to translate regulation into actionable site plans.

  • Calm and methodical under pressure, capable of managing complex, high‑consequence regulatory processes.

  • Comfortable operating in early‑stage or scaling organisations where licensing frameworks are built from first principles.

  • Motivated by enabling safe, compliant, and sovereign explosives capability, where failure has serious consequences and correctness matters.

Security and Eligibility Requirement

Due to the nature of the work with the UK MOD, applicants must be a British Citizen (or Dual UK national with British citizenship) and eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and, where required, Developed Vetting (DV)

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.