Senior Manager of Operational Test

Hermeus•Atlanta, GA

25d•$169,000 - $228,000

About The Position

Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries. Hermeus is seeking a Senior Manager of Operational Test to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test and mission operations supporting the development of the world’s fastest aircraft . This role serves as the operational bridge between engineering, flight test, safety, and ground operations teams to ensure missions are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with program objectives The Mission Operations Manager will oversee payload integration, mission planning, operational readiness, and execution across flight test campaigns and deployed operations. The ideal candidate brings strong operational leadership, experience in aviation or aerospace mission environments, and the ability to coordinate complex activities in fast-paced, high-consequence environments. A commercial or military pilot license is highly valued , as pilot perspective plays an important role in mission planning, range coordination, test card development, and operational decision-making. Work location and hybrid status are negotiable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aviation, operations management, or related field
10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, or mission operations environments
Experience coordinating complex operations involving multiple teams and technical systems
Experience supporting flight test operations, mission planning, or aviation operations
Strong leadership and decision-making skills in high-pressure operational environments

Nice To Haves

Commercial, ATP, or military pilot license
Flight test operations experience
Experience working in experimental aircraft development or advanced aviation programs
Experience with mission planning tools, flight operations software, or range coordination
Military aviation, test pilot school exposure, or operational aviation experience
Experience supporting rapid development or experimental flight programs

Responsibilities

Mission Planning & Execution Lead mission planning activities for flight test operations, including mission timelines, resource allocation, and operational readiness
Coordinate with flight test engineers, pilots, ground operations, and safety teams to ensure missions are executed safely and effectively
Develop mission plans, operational procedures, and execution checklists for flight test campaigns
Oversee daily mission readiness reviews and operational briefings
Manage integration of new mission systems and external payloads with aircraft for flight test
Flight Test Operations Support Support development and execution of flight test plans and test cards
Coordinate aircraft readiness, ground support equipment, range operations, and logistics required for flight testing
Monitor mission execution and provide operational leadership during flight operations
Identify and resolve operational risks or mission execution issues in real time
Cross-Functional Coordination Serve as the operational interface between engineering, flight operations, maintenance, safety, and mission planning teams
Ensure alignment between program objectives and operational execution
Coordinate with external partners including test ranges, regulatory bodies, and operational support organizations
Operational Readiness & Deployment Plan and support deployment of mission operations teams to remote or test locations
Oversee mission logistics including personnel, equipment, and infrastructure requirements
Ensure deployed operations meet safety, schedule, and operational objectives
Safety & Risk Management Ensure mission operations comply with company safety policies and regulatory requirements
Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
Support operational safety reviews, hazard analyses, and mission readiness assessments