Junior Systems Engineer (Defence / Aerospace) We're working with a venture-backed defence technology start-up in Germany that is building a highly complex hardware capability from the ground up. The business is transitioning from early-stage engineering into a critical phase of scale - including the development of a new production facility and the expansion of engineering and operational teams. This is a rare opportunity to join at the point where the systems foundation of the entire company is being built. The Role The company is establishing its systems engineering function for the first time. This role sits at the centre of that effort. The successful hire will work on two closely connected areas: Project & Product Systems Engineering Supporting fast‑paced development projects (including rocket and propulsion-related systems), helping define, structure, and manage complex technical systems across their lifecycle. Contributing to the creation of the organisation's overarching systems engineering framework - how requirements flow, how interfaces are defined, how configuration is managed, and how engineering teams work together at scale. This role is ideal for a hands‑on systems engineer who wants exposure not just to products, but to shaping how a defence technology company operates end‑to‑end. Responsibilities Support development projects with structured systems engineering practices Help define requirements, interfaces, architectures, and verification approaches Contribute to the setup of company‑wide systems engineering frameworks and processes Work with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) tools where appropriate Interface with engineering, operations, and leadership as the company scales Support fast development cycles typical of hardware start‑ups (not long aerospace programmes) What They're Looking For There isn't one single background that defines this hire. Strong candidates are likely to come from environments such as: Defence, aerospace or deep tech scale-ups Drone / robotics / autonomous systems companies Complex hardware or advanced manufacturing businesses Experience specifically in rocketry is a plus, not a requirement. Adjacent domains such as satellite systems, mechatronics, or other complex hardware platforms are highly relevant. Requirements 2-4 years of hands‑on project experience in systems engineering or closely related roles Strong fundamentals in systems thinking and complex system development Exposure to MBSE tools and methodologies is highly desirable Experience with systems tools, PLM platforms, or similar is a strong advantage Comfortable working in ambiguous, early‑stage environments Willingness to take ownership and grow with the organisation Although this is a junior role, the bar is intentionally high. The team needs someone who can contribute meaningfully from day one while growing into a foundational systems engineer for the business. Important Eligibility Notice Due to defence and export‑control regulations, applications can only be considered from candidates holding citizenship in a NATO country.