Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test

Hermeus•Jacksonville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company focused on rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft. They are seeking a driven Chief Engineer to lead the design, construction, and activation of an expansion at their airbreathing propulsion test facility, HEAT, in Jacksonville, FL. This expansion is crucial for advancing hypersonic and other advanced propulsion technologies, supporting Hermeus' roadmap, national security, and aerospace innovation. The Chief Engineer will be the technical authority responsible for the entire development lifecycle of the test facility, from concept to operational readiness, requiring collaboration with internal teams, external contractors, and DoD stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in the design, development, or operation of propulsion test facilities, aerospace infrastructure, or similar test facility/infrastructure.
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).

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD preferred.
TS security clearance preferred.

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.