Senior Operations and Test Engineer

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage. About The Role: As a Senior Operations and Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help develop, test, and operate advanced aircraft systems through hands-on integration, checkout, development testing, and taxi test campaigns. This role blends engineering, operations, and automation, with a focus on building standardized processes and tools that make vehicle testing safer, faster, and more repeatable. You will work closely with technicians, specialists, and cross-functional engineering teams to support hardware integration, troubleshoot off-nominal results, improve test readiness, and turn lessons learned into better procedures, equipment, and workflows. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role for someone who is comfortable working around complex and hazardous systems, enjoys solving problems in real time, and can help drive reliable operations in a rapid hardware development environment. Responsibilities: • Develop and standardize procedures/automation for the checkouts, integration, development testing, and taxi testing of new and flight-proven vehicles, rapidly iterating based on lessons learned • Design software and automation tools to enable autonomous vehicle operations, and to conduct vehicle system testing in ways that reduce complexity • Assist with integration and testing of flight hardware, partnering with and providing direction to highly skilled field technicians and specialists daily • Ensure test and flight readiness by reviewing test results and working with other teams to resolve off-nominal test results, collaborating with engineering staff from other departments and locations on a regular basis • Identify opportunities to improve existing processes and equipment to eliminate small scale production waste • Manage work orders and drive non-conformances into actionable items and systematic improvements Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline • 3+ years of experience with mechanical, electrical and/or fluid systems Preferred Skills and Experience: • Expert level first-principles engineering knowledge • Experience working with a variety of software systems and writing/de-bugging code • Experience writing test plans and test procedures • Experience (preferably hands-on) working on projects that involve the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems • Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high voltage, high pressure, combustible fluids, etc.) • Professional experience working with large assembly moves (e.g. crane operations) • Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere • Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity • Advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, and/or aerospace engineering • Ability to work long hours and some weekend as needed, to support critical milestones • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs; standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying maybe require to perform the functions of this positions. • Ability to travel on short notice to support test campaigns (up to 50%) • Must be eligible to pass Air Force background checks 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. Benefits: 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   U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS  The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.