We are currently seeking a creative and dynamic professional to build and lead operational analysis and simulation at Hermeus. As head of operational modeling and simulation, your work will directly shape the series of hypersonic aircraft Hermeus is developing as well as the capabilities they will bring to solve some of the most pressing challenges our customers face. This role requires government, defense industry, and/or FFRDC/UARC experience and mastery of relevant software. This role will be filled at a level commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience either at the manager or director level.
Responsibilities:
- Instantiate and develop operational analysis capability at Hermeus
- Incorporate mission engineering and risk analysis to create decision-quality quantitative analyses
- Create and develop models to represent real-world systems, processes, and operations
- Gather and integrate engineering and test data to validate and calibrate simulations
- Develop realistic combat scenarios to simulate various mission conditions including different threat environments, targets, and operational constraints
- Assess the effectiveness and survivability of aircraft under different operational scenarios
- Evaluate potential risks associated with aircraft missions, including the likelihood of encountering threats and the effectiveness of defensive countermeasures
- Provide decision-makers with insights and recommendations based on simulation results related to system design, operations, and strategic planning
- Maintain clear documentation of simulation models, methodologies, assumptions, and results
- Effectively communicate findings and results to both internal and external technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including subject matter experts, other engineers, and analysts to ensure accuracy and relevance of simulation.
- Maintain technical currency with the latest modeling and simulation techniques and associated technologies
- Continuously improve and update models to reflect changing conditions and requirements
- Manage projects related to modeling and simulation, including defining scope, timelines, and resource allocation.
- Identify and model aircraft capabilities and critical systems required to support and execute national security mission sets
- Fuse Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) inputs into broader DoD-wide analysis support architecture
- Develop tools and processes for evaluating conceptual solutions to complex operational challenges, while expanding AFSIM’s scale of analysis via emerging machine learning and cloud computing tools
Requirements:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field
- 5+ years of DoD, defense industry, and/or FFRDC experience with operational modeling and analysis
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Fluency with relevant software for platform and mission modeling as well as with Python or similar programming languages
- Comfort setting and achieving goals in a complex, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced environment.
- Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. Position may include additional program security requirements in order to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. If so, incumbent must be willing to submit to a Counter Intelligence Polygraph
- Willingness to travel
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
- Advanced degree in a relevant field
- 5+ years of DoD, defense industry, and/or FFRDC experience with operational modeling and analysis
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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