Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test

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: 

Hermeus is seeking a hands-on, technically rigorous Chief Engineer to lead the expansion of our High Enthalpy Airbreathing Test (HEAT) facility in Jacksonville, Florida. This is a high-ownership role for an engineer who has built, integrated, commissioned, and operated complex propulsion test infrastructure—and is ready to lead the next phase of capability development.
You will own the technical execution of the facility expansion from requirements definition and architecture through design, construction, system integration, commissioning, and operational readiness. Working across propulsion engineering, test operations, facilities, contractors, and government stakeholders, you will translate demanding propulsion test objectives into safe, reliable, high-performance test capabilities.
This is not simply a facilities project management role. We are looking for an engineer who understands how propulsion test systems work, can make sound technical decisions across interconnected systems, and can drive execution from concept to first operation. You will serve as the technical authority for the expansion, balancing test capability, safety, schedule, cost, and future scalability.
Based on Hermeus’ rapid hardware development philosophy, you will have the opportunity to build test infrastructure that directly accelerates the development of advanced airbreathing propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

Own facility development end to end: Lead requitements definition system architecture, design decisions, installation, integration, and commissioning. 

Translate test objectives into facility capabilities: Define and integrate the mechanical, fluid, airflow, fuel, exhaust, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition, and safety systems required for propulsion testing.

Lead technical integration: Direct cross-functional engineers, equipment suppliers, construction contractors, and integrators to deliver a cohesive, operational test environment.

Drive commissioning and activation: Establish commissioning plans, resolve integration issues, support shakedown testing, and ensure the facility is ready for safe, repeatable test operations.

Own technical tradeoffs and execution: Make independent decisions on design, scope, risk, schedule, and cost; identify problems early and drive them to resolution.

Partner with propulsion and test teams: Ensure the facility supports current engine testing needs while enabling future advanced airbreathing and hypersonic propulsion test capabilities.

Manage external stakeholders: Work with contractors, government customers, and internal leadership on technical reviews, acquisition decisions, risk mitigation, and delivery milestones.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.

10+ years of relevant engineering experience in propulsion test facilities, engine test systems, or complex aerospace test infrastructure.

Demonstrated experience leading the build, integration, commissioning, or major upgrade of a propulsion test facility, test cell, test stand, or comparable test system.

Strong technical understanding of the systems that enable safe, reliable propulsion testing, including instrumentation, controls, data acquisition, and supporting mechanical or fluid systems.

Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and external contractors through complex technical execution.

Proven ability to own technical decisions, resolve integration challenges, and deliver operational capabilities against schedule and budget.

Ability to work on-site in Jacksonville, Florida, and obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience with turbojet, turbofan, ramjet, scramjet, or turbine-based combined-cycle propulsion systems.

Experience with high-enthalpy airflow, high-speed propulsion simulation, or hypersonic ground-test environments.

Experience with test readiness reviews, commissioning plans, safety interlocks, operating procedures, and test operations.

Experience scaling an existing test capability or retrofitting legacy infrastructure to support new propulsion requirements.

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.

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