As the Chief Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority and strategic lead responsible for the end-to-end development of the test facility—from concept and requirements definition through commissioning and operational readiness. This role will require close collaboration with internal teams, external contractors, and DoD stakeholders to ensure that the facility meets current and future propulsion testing needs.
Responsibilities
- Lead Facility Design and Architecture
- Oversee the conceptual and detailed design of the test facility, including the air plant, test cells, airflow systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, safety systems, and support infrastructure.
- Guide requirements definition and translate test objectives into engineering specifications for propulsion systems.
- Program and Technical Leadership
- Serve as the principal engineering authority, ensuring technical rigor, mission alignment, and engineering excellence throughout all phases of the project.
- Manage and direct cross-functional engineering teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, systems) and coordinate with external contractors and company stakeholders.
- Support development of acquisition strategies, source selection, and contractor oversight.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Oversight
- Liaise with government customers, test customers, and internal leadership to communicate progress, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment on priorities and capabilities.
- Provide authoritative input into decision-making, budgeting, milestone reviews, and operational transition planning.
- Risk and Quality Management
- Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, safety, schedule, and integration with test assets or vehicle systems.
- Implement quality assurance processes across engineering and construction phases.
- Innovation and Futureproofing
- Anticipate future propulsion test and design for scalability and modular upgrades.
- Evaluate emerging technologies that could enhance facility capabilities or streamline operations.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace Engineering, or a related field (master’s or PhD preferred).
10+ years of experience in the design, development, or operation of propulsion test facilities, aerospace infrastructure, or similar test facility/infrastructure.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale engineering projects involving complex systems integration and build.
Deep understanding of airbreathing propulsion systems (e.g., turbojet, ramjet, scramjet, TBCC) and associated testing environments.
Strong owner mindset with ability to independently execute and drive to outcomes.
Familiarity with relevant safety standards, environmental standards, construction requirements, and DoD or NASA aerospace test procedures.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance (TS preferred).
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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in propulsion test facilities or aerospace infrastructure
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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