We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our Command & Control team in Atlanta. The team is responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and delivery of software supporting Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Pilot Vehicle Interfaces (PVI), Command & Control (C2), telemetry, and vehicle communications.
This role will focus primarily on the embedded flight software and networking that enable communication between our aircraft and ground control systems. You will develop software supporting command and control, telemetry, network management, RF communications, and vehicle data links while working closely with avionics, RF, flight software, and ground systems engineers.
This is not a traditional voice communications role. You will work on the software and network infrastructure that allow an air vehicle and ground control station to reliably exchange commands, telemetry, and other mission-critical data.
The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between embedded C/C++ development, network and communications system design, and hands-on testing with target hardware. You will have ownership across both the vehicle and ground sides of the communications network and will help take systems from initial architecture through integration and flight operations.
Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain embedded C/C++ software supporting aircraft communications, telemetry, Command & Control, and vehicle data links.
Design and implement software that enables reliable communication between aircraft and ground control systems.
Own and support networking functionality across both vehicle and ground-based systems.
Develop software interfaces for radios, transmitters, receivers, and other communications hardware.
Integrate and troubleshoot RF communications systems in collaboration with RF and avionics engineers.
Develop and maintain network management functionality including Ethernet, TCP/UDP, multicast, and related networking protocols.
Develop software requirements, system architectures, interface definitions, and technical design documentation.
Participate in software and system design reviews and communicate technical tradeoffs across multidisciplinary teams.
Collaborate with hardware, avionics, RF, GNC, systems, and ground station engineers to ensure seamless hardware and software integration.
Test and debug software on target hardware, including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), laboratory, and integrated hardware environments.
Develop and execute system-level tests to verify communications performance and reliability.
Support integration, troubleshooting, and testing of aircraft and ground station communications systems.
Write efficient, maintainable, well-documented software that meets performance and safety requirements.
Participate in the development and verification of safety-critical software.
Own technical schedules and roadmaps for assigned software and communications capabilities.
Support flight test and range operations as required.
Travel up to approximately 25% to support integration and test activities.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
Professional experience developing embedded software in C and/or C++.
Strong understanding of software fundamentals including memory management, pointers, references, and object-oriented programming.
Experience developing, debugging, and testing software that interfaces with hardware.
Familiarity with networked or distributed systems and common communications concepts.
Experience working in Linux-based software development environments.
Ability to independently troubleshoot complex software and hardware integration issues.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across software, hardware, and systems engineering teams.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and developing or testing software on target hardware.
Experience with aircraft, spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, defense systems, or other embedded platforms.
Experience with vehicle communications, telemetry, Command & Control, or data-link systems.
Experience with aerospace telemetry standards or protocols such as CCSDS or IRIG.
Experience with serial communications, CAN, Ethernet, TCP, UDP, or similar protocols.
Experience with multicast networking, including IGMPv3, Source-Specific Multicast (SSM), or related technologies.
Experience interfacing software with radios, particularly Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
Experience writing software used to configure, command, monitor, or control RF communications hardware.
Familiarity with RF communications concepts and troubleshooting communications links across software and hardware.
Experience with satellite communications, cellular communications, or other wireless data-link technologies.
Understanding of network management concepts including VLANs, firewalls, routing, and network configuration.
Familiarity with routing protocols such as OSPF or BGP.
Experience with networking platforms such as Ubiquiti, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, or similar systems.
Familiarity with safety-critical software development processes such as DO-178C or equivalent.
Experience with GitLab or similar source control and CI/CD tooling.
Experience developing and executing system-level tests, simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Experience working in a fast-paced development environment where engineers own systems from initial design through integration and test.
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
#LI-JC3
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
- Professional experience developing embedded software in C and/or C++
- Strong understanding of memory management, pointers, references, and object-oriented programming
- Experience developing, debugging, and testing software that interfaces with hardware
- Familiarity with networked or distributed systems and common communications concepts
- Experience working in Linux-based software development environments
- Ability to independently troubleshoot complex software and hardware integration issues
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work across software, hardware, and systems engineering teams
- Experience with RTOS and software development or testing on target hardware
- Experience with aircraft, spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, defense systems, or other embedded platforms
- Experience with vehicle communications, telemetry, command and control, or data-link systems
- Experience with aerospace telemetry standards or protocols such as CCSDS or IRIG
- Experience with serial communications, CAN, Ethernet, TCP, UDP, or similar protocols
- Experience with multicast networking, including IGMPv3 or Source-Specific Multicast
- Experience interfacing software with radios, particularly Software Defined Radios
- Experience configuring, commanding, monitoring, or controlling RF communications hardware
- Familiarity with RF communications concepts and troubleshooting communications links
- Experience with satellite, cellular, or other wireless data-link technologies
- Understanding of VLANs, firewalls, routing, and network configuration
- Familiarity with OSPF or BGP
- Experience with Ubiquiti, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, or similar networking platforms
- Familiarity with DO-178C or equivalent safety-critical software development processes
- Experience with GitLab or similar source control and CI/CD tooling
- Experience developing system-level tests, simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Experience owning embedded systems through design, integration, and testing in a fast-paced development environment
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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