Flight Readiness Engineer - Airworthiness

Hermeus is an aerospace and defense technology company founded to radically accelerate air travel by delivering hypersonic aircraft. The company aims to develop hypersonic aircraft quickly and cost-effectively by integrating hardware-rich, iterative development with modern computing and autonomy. This approach has been validated through design, build, and test of the company’s first combined turbojet-ramjet engine and is now being scaled through its first flight vehicle program, Quarterhorse. Hermeus is also developing Darkhorse — an uncrewed hypersonic aircraft designed to deliver unique asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter.

We are seeking a dynamic and out-of-the-box-thinking Flight Readiness Engineer (Airworthiness) to join our team. This individual will play a critical role in guiding and collaborating with the regulatory authorities to shape the future of airworthiness standards for our pioneering test vehicle. The ideal candidate will be adept at working within statutory and regulatory frameworks while challenging conventional norms to support Hermeus's groundbreaking innovations. We are seeking a candidate with a deep understanding of airworthiness requirements for both civilian and military aircraft and launch vehicle certification requirements to help guide the certification and development process for our test vehicles.

The location preference for this position is Los Angeles, CA. However, Hermeus will consider a hybrid model for qualified candidates that are willing to travel as required.

Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between Hermeus and relevant regulatory bodies, ensuring clear communication and alignment on airworthiness standards for our test vehicle.
• Regulatory Strategy: Develop and implement airworthiness strategies that meet all regulatory requirements for our aircraft while pushing the boundaries of current regulations.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure all aspects of the aircraft vehicle's design, development, and testing comply with aviation vehicle safety regulations.
• Documentation & Certification: Lead the preparation and submission of certification documentation, including reports, analyses, and other required materials, for our test vehicle.
• Innovation Advocacy: Advocate for new and innovative approaches to airworthiness and vehicle certification that align with Hermeus' mission and vision, working with regulatory bodies to explore and define new regulatory frameworks.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks related to airworthiness and certification and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the safe and compliant operation of aircraft vehicles.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, testing, and regulatory teams to ensure airworthiness objectives are integrated into the broader vehicle development process.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in airworthiness engineering, with a strong focus on working with regulatory authorities.
• In-depth knowledge of airworthiness regulations, certification processes, and requirements for civilian and military aircraft and launch vehicles.
• Proven track record of successfully guiding complex aerospace projects through certification processes.
• Strong understanding of aircraft and launch vehicle systems, structures, and materials, with the ability to assess their airworthiness.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with regulatory bodies and internal teams.
• A forward-thinking mindset with a passion for innovation in the aerospace industry.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Preferred:
• Experience working on supersonic, hypersonic, or high-speed aircraft projects.
• Familiarity with experimental aircraft certification processes.
• Previous experience advocating for new regulatory standards within the aerospace industry.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.