Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern - Fall 2026
About The Position
Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company focused on rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world. We aim to deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield and provide critical capabilities to the U.S. Department of War. As a Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern, you will support the development, integration, and validation of advanced aircraft systems within a hands-on flight test environment. You will collaborate with a diverse flight test team, including engineers, technicians, and pilots, to assist with hardware integration, system checkout, flight control validation, development testing, and test readiness activities. This internship is ideal for individuals passionate about flight test, engineering operations, and developmental aircraft. Your contributions will involve assisting during test execution, supporting pilots, documenting results, and enhancing the tools and workflows that ensure safer, faster, and more repeatable vehicle testing. The internship duration is approximately 16 weeks, from August to December.
Requirements
- Must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program).
- Currently working toward a pilot license or already holds a Commercial Pilot License.
- Practical experience designing, building, testing, or operating vehicles through internships, coursework, labs, or hands-on projects.
- Strong interest in flight testing, aircraft systems, and developmental aircraft.
- Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
- Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on environments with complex systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus’ mission.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with test operations, vehicle testing, or aircraft systems.
- Strong Excel skills for tracking, analysis, and documentation.
- Familiarity with web-based coding or scripting tools.
- Experience documenting test activities, procedures, or technical results.
Responsibilities
- Support the broader flight test team in planning, executing, and analyzing development and flight test activities.
- Assist with flight control validation, system checkout, and test readiness for developmental aircraft.
- Support pilots and engineers during test operations, including in-seat test support and real-time coordination.
- Monitor test parameters, document observations, and scribe key results during test execution.
- Help review and interpret test data to support system performance, safety, and troubleshooting.
- Partner with engineers to improve test procedures, workflows, and validation processes.
- Support hardware integration, troubleshooting, and operational readiness activities.
- Capture lessons learned and help refine procedures to make testing safer, faster, and more repeatable.
Benefits
- 5 days of sick leave and unpaid time off.
- Weekly paid office lunches.
- Fully stocked breakrooms.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
