Hermeus is seeking a Senior Manager of Operational Test to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test and mission operations supporting the development of the world’s fastest aircraft. This role serves 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
The Senior Manager of Operational Test 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
Minimum 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
Preferred Skills and Experiences:
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
Working Conditions:
- Primarily office-based role with frequent interaction across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
- May require occasional presence in manufacturing, hangar, or test environments where exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts is possible.
- Work is generally performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, but travel between facilities or to suppliers/customers may be required (up to 30%).
- Standard business hours with occasional evening or weekend work to meet program deadlines or support test activities.
- Regular use of computers, teleconferencing tools, and standard office equipment.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
- Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).
- Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Must be able to travel as needed.
Top Skills
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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