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.
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 Senior Manager of Operational Test 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.
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
Minimum Requirements:
Preferred Skills and Experiences:
Working Conditions:
Primarily office-based role with frequent interaction across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
May require occasional presence in manufacturing, hangar, or test environments where exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts is possible.
Work is generally performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, but travel between facilities or to suppliers/customers may be required (up to 30%).
Standard business hours with occasional evening or weekend work to meet program deadlines or support test activities.
Regular use of computers, teleconferencing tools, and standard office equipment.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.
Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).
Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Must be able to travel as needed.
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.