Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test

Clutch Canada; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Hermeus, a defense aviation company based in Jacksonville, FL, is hiring a Chief Engineer to lead the development of their new airbreathing propulsion test facility, HEAT. The role involves overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from design to operational readiness, while ensuring compliance with U.S. export regulations.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in engineering leadership, particularly in propulsion technologies, and must exhibit a strong collaborative spirit to work with various stakeholders, including the Department of War.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading engineering teams for complex projects.
• Strong understanding of hypersonic and propulsion systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and construction of the new propulsion test facility.
• Serve as technical authority on projects from concept through commissioning.
• Ensure facility meets both current and future propulsion testing needs.

Skills

End-to-end development expertise

Collaborative mindset

Knowledge of propulsion technologies

Experience with DoD stakeholders

Education

Relevant engineering degree

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.

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.

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.