Hermeus is seeking a hands-on, technically rigorous Chief Engineer to lead the expansion of our High Enthalpy Airbreathing Test (HEAT) facility in Jacksonville, Florida. This is a high-ownership role for an engineer who has built, integrated, commissioned, and operated complex propulsion test infrastructure—and is ready to lead the next phase of capability development.
You will own the technical execution of the facility expansion from requirements definition and architecture through design, construction, system integration, commissioning, and operational readiness. Working across propulsion engineering, test operations, facilities, contractors, and government stakeholders, you will translate demanding propulsion test objectives into safe, reliable, high-performance test capabilities.
This is not simply a facilities project management role. We are looking for an engineer who understands how propulsion test systems work, can make sound technical decisions across interconnected systems, and can drive execution from concept to first operation. You will serve as the technical authority for the expansion, balancing test capability, safety, schedule, cost, and future scalability.
Based on Hermeus’ rapid hardware development philosophy, you will have the opportunity to build test infrastructure that directly accelerates the development of advanced airbreathing propulsion systems.
Responsibilities
- Own facility development end to end: Lead requitements definition system architecture, design decisions, installation, integration, and commissioning.
- Translate test objectives into facility capabilities: Define and integrate the mechanical, fluid, airflow, fuel, exhaust, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition, and safety systems required for propulsion testing.
- Lead technical integration: Direct cross-functional engineers, equipment suppliers, construction contractors, and integrators to deliver a cohesive, operational test environment.
- Drive commissioning and activation: Establish commissioning plans, resolve integration issues, support shakedown testing, and ensure the facility is ready for safe, repeatable test operations.
- Own technical tradeoffs and execution: Make independent decisions on design, scope, risk, schedule, and cost; identify problems early and drive them to resolution.
- Partner with propulsion and test teams: Ensure the facility supports current engine testing needs while enabling future advanced airbreathing and hypersonic propulsion test capabilities.
- Manage external stakeholders: Work with contractors, government customers, and internal leadership on technical reviews, acquisition decisions, risk mitigation, and delivery milestones.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of relevant engineering experience in propulsion test facilities, engine test systems, or complex aerospace test infrastructure.
- Demonstrated experience leading the build, integration, commissioning, or major upgrade of a propulsion test facility, test cell, test stand, or comparable test system.
- Strong technical understanding of the systems that enable safe, reliable propulsion testing, including instrumentation, controls, data acquisition, and supporting mechanical or fluid systems.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and external contractors through complex technical execution.
- Proven ability to own technical decisions, resolve integration challenges, and deliver operational capabilities against schedule and budget.
- Ability to work on-site in Jacksonville, Florida, and obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with turbojet, turbofan, ramjet, scramjet, or turbine-based combined-cycle propulsion systems.
- Experience with high-enthalpy airflow, high-speed propulsion simulation, or hypersonic ground-test environments.
- Experience with test readiness reviews, commissioning plans, safety interlocks, operating procedures, and test operations.
- Experience scaling an existing test capability or retrofitting legacy infrastructure to support new propulsion requirements.
The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.
At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.
- Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
- Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
- Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
- Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
- 10+ years of relevant engineering experience in propulsion test facilities, engine test systems, or complex aerospace test infrastructure
- Experience leading the build, integration, commissioning, or major upgrade of a propulsion test facility, test cell, test stand, or comparable test system
- Strong technical understanding of instrumentation, controls, data acquisition, and supporting mechanical or fluid systems for propulsion testing
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and external contractors through complex technical execution
- Ability to own technical decisions, resolve integration challenges, and deliver operational capabilities against schedule and budget
- Ability to work on-site in Jacksonville, Florida
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
- Experience with turbojet, turbofan, ramjet, scramjet, or turbine-based combined-cycle propulsion systems
- Experience with high-enthalpy airflow, high-speed propulsion simulation, or hypersonic ground-test environments
- Experience with test readiness reviews, commissioning plans, safety interlocks, operating procedures, and test operations
- Experience scaling an existing test capability or retrofitting legacy infrastructure to support new propulsion requirements
Hermeus Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Hermeus and has not been reviewed or approved by Hermeus.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is described as employer-paid for employees and dependents, including dental and vision. Feedback suggests this substantially reduces healthcare burden and strengthens overall total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — The package includes unlimited PTO for exempt employees, generous accrued PTO for non‑exempt staff, and observed federal holidays. Feedback suggests this breadth aims to support work‑life balance.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Stock options are guaranteed with all full‑time offers, with potential for additional grants based on performance. Feedback suggests this provides ownership upside alongside base pay and bonuses.
Hermeus Insights
What We Do
Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries. Utilizing an integrated, hardware-rich, iterative development approach to aircraft design and build, Hermeus aims to deliver advanced air power at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s. Hermeus’ current Quarterhorse Program is actively unlocking unmanned high-speed flight. One program, four aircraft – each purpose-built to unlock a specific technical challenge, advance learnings, and incrementally de-risk critical technology in the pursuit of hypersonic aircraft. Today, Hermeus is building its second Quarterhorse vehicle, Mk 2, after having designed, built, and flight tested its predecessor, Mk 1, in 18 months. Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3+, Quarterhorse Mk 2 will be the fastest uncrewed military aircraft in service for national defense. The final iteration of Quarterhorse, Mk 4, will be capable of transitioning from turbofan to ramjet mode utilizing a Hermeus-developed turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) propulsion system to achieve sustained speeds of Mach 5+. Hermeus' approach of build-fly-build lays the groundwork for unlocking hypersonic flight at a pace and cost previously deemed impossible. America needs fast planes fast – and Hermeus is delivering them.
Why Work With Us
We prioritize hardware and people. Cutting-edge technology is only made possible by bringing together a world-class team. At Hermeus, you will be challenged – but also empowered. We encourage calculated risks taking and learning from our mistakes. Iteration is the name of the game.
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