Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test

Job description

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: We are seeking a 1st principles driven, experienced, and owner mindset **Chief Engineer** to lead the design, construction, and activation of an expansion at our next-generation **airbreathing propulsion test facility, HEAT**, located in Jacksonville, FL. This facility expansion will play a critical role in advancing hypersonic and other advanced propulsion technologies vital to Hermeus’ roadmap, national security, and aerospace innovation. As the Chief Engineer, you will serve as the **technical authority** and **strategic lead** responsible for the end-to-end development of the test facility—from concept and requirements definition through commissioning and operational readiness. This role will require close collaboration with internal teams, external contractors, and DoD stakeholders to ensure that the facility meets current and future propulsion testing needs. ### Responsibilities - Lead Facility Design and Architecture - Oversee the conceptual and detailed design of the test facility, including the air plant, test cells, airflow systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, safety systems, and support infrastructure. - Guide requirements definition and translate test objectives into engineering specifications for propulsion systems. - Program and Technical Leadership - Serve as the principal engineering authority, ensuring technical rigor, mission alignment, and engineering excellence throughout all phases of the project. - Manage and direct cross-functional engineering teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, systems) and coordinate with external contractors and company stakeholders. - Support development of acquisition strategies, source selection, and contractor oversight. - Stakeholder Engagement and Oversight - Liaise with government customers, test customers, and internal leadership to communicate progress, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment on priorities and capabilities. - Provide authoritative input into decision-making, budgeting, milestone reviews, and operational transition planning. - Risk and Quality Management - Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, safety, schedule, and integration with test assets or vehicle systems. - Implement quality assurance processes across engineering and construction phases. - Innovation and Futureproofing - Anticipate future propulsion test and design for scalability and modular upgrades. - Evaluate emerging technologies that could enhance facility capabilities or streamline operations. ### Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace Engineering, or a related field (master’s or PhD preferred). - 10+ years of experience in the design, development, or operation of propulsion test facilities, aerospace infrastructure, or similar test facility/infrastructure. ### Preferred Skills and Experience - Demonstrated experience leading large-scale engineering projects involving complex systems integration and build. - Deep understanding of airbreathing propulsion systems (e.g., turbojet, ramjet, scramjet, TBCC) and associated testing environments. - Strong owner mindset with ability to independently execute and drive to outcomes. - Familiarity with relevant safety standards, environmental standards, construction requirements, and DoD or NASA aerospace test procedures. - Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. - Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance (TS preferred).