As a Senior Manager of Operational Test, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test and mission operations supporting the development of the world’s fastest aircraft. You will serve as the operational bridge between engineering, flight test, safety, and ground operations teams to ensure missions are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with program objectives
You will oversee payload integration, mission planning, operational readiness, and execution across flight test campaigns and deployed operations. The ideal candidate brings strong operational leadership, experience in aviation or aerospace mission environments, and the ability to coordinate complex activities in fast-paced, high-consequence environments.
A commercial or military pilot license is highly valued, as pilot perspective plays an important role in mission planning, range coordination, test card development, and operational decision-making.
Work location and hybrid status are negotiable.
Responsibilities:
- Lead mission planning activities for flight test operations, including mission timelines, resource allocation, and operational readiness
- Coordinate with flight test engineers, pilots, ground operations, and safety teams to ensure missions are executed safely and effectively
- Develop mission plans, operational procedures, and execution checklists for flight test campaigns
- Oversee daily mission readiness reviews and operational briefings
- Manage integration of new mission systems and external payloads with aircraft for flight test
- Support development and execution of flight test plans and test cards
- Coordinate aircraft readiness, ground support equipment, range operations, and logistics required for flight testing
- Monitor mission execution and provide operational leadership during flight operations
- Identify and resolve operational risks or mission execution issues in real time
- Serve as the operational interface between engineering, flight operations, maintenance, safety, and mission planning teams
- Ensure alignment between program objectives and operational execution
- Coordinate with external partners including test ranges, regulatory bodies, and operational support organizations
- Plan and support deployment of mission operations teams to remote or test locations
- Oversee mission logistics including personnel, equipment, and infrastructure requirements
- Ensure deployed operations meet safety, schedule, and operational objectives
- Ensure mission operations comply with company safety policies and regulatory requirements
- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Support operational safety reviews, hazard analyses, and mission readiness assessments
Mission Planning & Execution
Flight Test Operations Support
Cross-Functional Coordination
Operational Readiness & Deployment
Safety & Risk Management
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aviation, operations management, or related field
10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, or mission operations environments
Experience coordinating complex operations involving multiple teams and technical systems
Experience supporting flight test operations, mission planning, or aviation operations
Strong leadership and decision-making skills in high-pressure operational environments
- Must be able to travel as needed.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Commercial, ATP, or military pilot license
Flight test operations experience
Experience working in experimental aircraft development or advanced aviation programs
Experience with mission planning tools, flight operations software, or range coordination
Military aviation, test pilot school exposure, or operational aviation experience
Experience supporting rapid development or experimental flight programs
- 100% employer-paid health care
- 401k & Retirement Plans
- Weekly Paid Office Lunches
- End of Year Bonuses
- Fully stocked breakrooms
- Stock Options
- Paid Parental Leave
- Unlimited PTO (exempt) and generous accrued PTO (non-exempt), plus 12 federal holidays off
- Pet Insurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, aviation, operations management, or related field
- 10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, or mission operations environments
- Experience coordinating complex operations involving multiple teams and technical systems
- Experience supporting flight test operations, mission planning, or aviation operations
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills in high-pressure operational environments
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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