Charting the future of hypersonic flight

A highly accomplished scale-up C-Level Executive, and Advisor, who has a consistent track record of creating commercial and financial strategies that transform businesses, drive growth and accelerate commercial and operational success. With extensive experience across the technology, digital, deep tech, electronics, audio, sporting, media, and banking sectors, Matt is a leader in business transformations that increase revenue, optimise structure, streamline operations and increase productivity. Matt also brings strong experience in financial leadership and management, with a proven ability to oversee financial strategy, revenue and profitability, transactional management, compliance and reporting.

A world leader in scramjet technology, Michael Smart spent 10 years as a Research Scientist at the NASA Langley Research Center: Scramjet Branch. He is the technology architect of the Wirraway satellite launch system. Michael is a research field leader in aviation and aerospace engineering.​

Emma joined Hypersonix in February 2024 after over 20 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant (FCCA) in a variety of finance roles and industries in NZ, UK and Australia. Emma brings broad experience across a range of finance activities including financial accounting & reporting, business partnering, budgeting, process improvement, systems implementations, and team management.​​

Mandy is an accomplished HR professional, with over 20 years of experience in talent management, employee relations, and organisational development. Her diverse background spans various industries, including manufacturing, aviation, e-commerce, not-for-profit, and government. As a commercially focused leader, Mandy is passionate about getting the best out of people. She actively listens to the workforce, tailoring talent acquisition, retention, and motivation solutions to unlock the full potential of our most valuable asset: our people. She thrives on promoting synergy across business lines, implementing HR solutions, development initiatives, and process improvements. Her track record speaks volumes about her ability to translate business vision into impactful HR initiatives that enhance performance and add value. Mandy’s dedication to positive change resonates throughout her career, making her a driving force in organisational success. Beyond her HR expertise, Mandy holds a qualified commercial pilot license (CPL-H), showcasing her multifaceted talents.​​

Sam is a skilled engineering and manufacturing leader, bringing broad experience across turbomachinery, UAV design, hypersonic R&D and advanced manufacturing. He has played a key role in developing complex flight hardware, including leading the successful build of the first DART prototype. Sam’s expertise spans aerospace design, mechanical engineering, design for manufacture and advanced manufacturing technologies. He holds engineering degrees from the University of Queensland and is certified NER and RPEQ, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and fostering high-calibre talent.

Nick is an aerospace leader with extensive experience across defence, space, launch vehicles and commercial aviation. He has held engineering, test and production leadership roles at SpaceX, supporting spacecraft recovery, reuse programs and cross-functional processes that enabled rapid turnaround, and previously served as a Naval Aviator and Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer in the U.S. Navy. He brings a rare combination of engineering depth, operational discipline and organisational scaling expertise, supported by a BSAE from the United States Naval Academy, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and FAA ATP and CASA CPL qualifications.

Michael is an experienced legal and governance executive with a strong track record supporting high-growth organisations through complex commercial and strategic change. He was the inaugural General Counsel for a global electric vehicle fast-charging leader, helping guide the business through rapid growth in customers, revenue and investment. Michael has led company secretariat and governance responsibilities alongside key corporate functions, including legal, risk and strategic support, bringing a practical, business-first approach to delivering outcomes at pace. Equally, he is recognised for his strong focus on the people side of leadership – building purpose-driven, people-centred cultures and environments where teams can perform at their best.

James is an accomplished engineering leader with extensive experience delivering complex mechanical and aerospace systems in demanding environments. He oversees the design, integration and development of hypersonic technologies, working across propulsion, structures, materials and testing to ensure technical excellence throughout the product lifecycle. His background includes leading multidisciplinary teams on advanced vehicle platforms against strict contractual and regulatory requirements, coordinating international stakeholders and guiding system architecture through customer acceptance. James brings a disciplined, outcomes-focused approach to innovation and engineering execution, supporting Hypersonix’s mission to redefine sustainable hypersonic flight.

Christian brings deep expertise in ICT operations and cybersecurity, with practical leadership experience managing complex technical environments and high-stakes incident response. He has worked at the forefront of incident recovery, overseeing the defence and company-wide restoration efforts during a major ransomware breach at Pareto Phone. His background combines business and information systems, holding a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Systems) from QUT. Christian takes a hands-on approach to building systems and processes that allow an IT and cybersecurity department to succeed.