About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Software Engineer to develop flight autonomy capabilities for Hermeus’ supersonic vehicle fleet. You will build software spanning guidance and control, mission autonomy, and navigation while working closely with RPA pilots, GNC engineers, software platform engineers, simulation engineers, and command-and-control teams.
This is a hands-on role for an engineer who is comfortable owning difficult, cross-functional problems from initial design through integration and flight testing. You will directly influence how Hermeus aircraft navigate, execute missions, interact with operators, and progressively achieve higher levels of autonomy.
The ideal candidate combines strong modern C++ software-development skills with experience in autonomous or unmanned systems and a practical understanding of guidance, controls, and navigation.
Responsibilities
Develop modern C++ software for flight autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control
Design and implement mission-autonomy behaviors and vehicle decision-making capabilities
Develop and integrate guidance and control loops for unmanned aircraft
Support the integration, evaluation, and validation of navigation sensors and navigation solutions
Integrate autonomy capabilities into existing aircraft software architectures and command-and-control systems
Develop automated test suites, simulation scenarios, and utilities to verify autonomy performance and expected behavior
Work closely with GNC and simulation engineers to develop, test, and validate autonomy algorithms
Partner with RPA pilots and flight-operations teams to define and execute the autonomy roadmap
Integrate autonomy software with vehicle systems, communications links, ground systems, and operator interfaces
Diagnose and resolve complex problems spanning autonomy software, vehicle dynamics, navigation, simulation, and command-and-control interfaces
Participate in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, ground-test, and flight-test activities
Own technical problems from initial investigation through implementation, integration, testing, and operational use
Drive solutions across multidisciplinary teams in environments where requirements and vehicle capabilities are rapidly evolving
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field
Strong proficiency with modern C++, including experience developing production-quality software
Strong general software-engineering fundamentals, including software architecture, debugging, testing, and performance-conscious development
Experience developing software for unmanned aircraft, autonomous vehicles, robotics, spacecraft, or other autonomous systems
Experience with guidance and control algorithms, control loops, trajectory generation, or vehicle guidance software
Experience developing or integrating flight or mission-autonomy capabilities
Experience developing or integrating navigation systems, sensors, or state-estimation solutions
Ability to work effectively across software, GNC, simulation, systems, operations, and other engineering disciplines
Demonstrated ability to independently identify technical problems and drive them through resolution
Experience integrating complex software capabilities into larger vehicle or robotic-system architectures
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience developing autonomy software for unmanned aerial systems or remotely piloted aircraft
Experience with flight guidance, path planning, trajectory generation, control allocation, or vehicle control
Experience with GNSS, INS, IMUs, air-data systems, sensor fusion, or other navigation technologies
Experience integrating autonomy software with command-and-control systems
Familiarity with over-the-air communications, vehicle-to-ground protocols, telemetry, and command interfaces
Experience with mission planning, contingency management, health monitoring, or autonomous decision-making
Experience with Linux-based embedded or real-time software systems
Experience with simulation, SIL, HIL, system-integration labs, ground testing, or flight testing
Experience collaborating directly with pilots, operators, or flight-test teams
Aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous vehicle, or spacecraft experience
Experience working in a startup, rapid-prototyping, or highly iterative development environment
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 Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field
- Strong proficiency with modern C++ and production-quality software development
- Strong software-engineering fundamentals, including architecture, debugging, testing, and performance-conscious development
- Experience developing software for unmanned aircraft, autonomous vehicles, robotics, spacecraft, or other autonomous systems
- Experience with guidance and control algorithms, control loops, trajectory generation, or vehicle guidance software
- Experience developing or integrating flight or mission-autonomy capabilities
- Experience developing or integrating navigation systems, sensors, or state-estimation solutions
- Ability to work across software, GNC, simulation, systems, operations, and engineering disciplines
- Ability to independently identify technical problems and drive them through resolution
- Experience integrating complex software capabilities into larger vehicle or robotic-system architectures
- Experience developing autonomy software for unmanned aerial systems or remotely piloted aircraft
- Experience with flight guidance, path planning, trajectory generation, control allocation, or vehicle control
- Experience with GNSS, INS, IMUs, air-data systems, sensor fusion, or other navigation technologies
- Experience integrating autonomy software with command-and-control systems
- Familiarity with over-the-air communications, vehicle-to-ground protocols, telemetry, and command interfaces
- Experience with mission planning, contingency management, health monitoring, or autonomous decision-making
- Experience with Linux-based embedded or real-time software systems
- Experience with simulation, SIL, HIL, system-integration labs, ground testing, or flight testing
- Experience collaborating with pilots, operators, or flight-test teams
- Aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous vehicle, or spacecraft experience
- Experience in a startup, rapid-prototyping, or highly iterative 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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