Flight Software Engineering Intern (Simulation/Hardware-In-The-Loop) - Spring & Summer 2027

Hermeus; Atlanta (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time Off: 5 sick days & unpaid time

Office lunches

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking a software-in-the-loop internship engineer to help develop a 6-DOF flight simulation and HITL infrastructure. You will write simulation and test software in C++, with Python and MATLAB for modeling, and work hands-on with avionics hardware.

This paid internship runs from January through August, offering weekly office lunches and opportunities to work on a fast-moving, multidisciplinary team focused on rapid prototyping and flight software integration.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field.
• Proficiency in C++ and scripting languages is expected.
• Strong grasp of physics, dynamics, and reference frames.
• Hands-on hardware experience and ability to read schematics.

Responsibilities

• Support development of a 6-DOF flight simulation with vehicle dynamics and models.
• Assist HITL testing by integrating flight computers, sensors, and harnesses.
• Write simulation and test software mainly in C++, with Python and MATLAB used for modeling.
• Troubleshoot hardware using schematics, pinouts, and bench tools.
• Build tooling to speed up simulation and HITL testing with logging and automation.
• Own simulation/integration tasks from setup to testing.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Electrical Eng or CS

Tools

MATLAB

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.

About the Team:

You'll join a small, fast-moving team building the avionics and flight software for a new flight vehicle program from clean sheet. Everything is actively being built, integrated, and tested on real hardware supporting real tests.

This role will focus on developing simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) infrastructure, combining software development, flight simulation, and hands-on hardware integration.

Small team, big ownership, and we move at speeds the rest of the industry doesn’t.

Spring-Summer: Around 28 weeks (January - August)

Responsibilities:

• Support development of a 6-DOF flight simulation including vehicle dynamics, sensor/actuator models, and engine/plant models to verify flight software in closed loop.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, including integrating flight computers, avionics, sensors, actuators, and cable harnesses.
• Write simulation and test software primarily in C++, with Python and MATLAB used for modeling and tooling.
• Troubleshoot and integrate hardware using schematics, pinouts, connectors, and common bench tools.
• Build tooling that makes simulation and HITL testing fast, repeatable, and data-rich through logging, playback, and automation.
• Independently own simulation and integration tasks from initial setup through testing and troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Working proficiency in C++.
• Strong understanding of physics and dynamics fundamentals, including rigid-body dynamics, classical mechanics, reference frames, and equations of motion.
• Comfortable working hands-on with hardware, including reading schematics and pinouts, building or terminating cables, and troubleshooting hardware.
• Comfortable using common bench tools such as a multimeter, oscilloscope, and power supply.
• Comfortable working in a Linux command-line environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary technical teams.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Working knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python for simulation modeling, analysis, and tooling.
• Experience with 6-DOF simulation, flight or vehicle dynamics modeling, or software-in-the-loop (SITL).
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), real-time, or embedded systems experience.
• GNC coursework or projects involving controls, state estimation, navigation, or flight dynamics.
• Soldering, connectorization, or wire-harness fabrication experience.
• Hands-on experience with robotics, UAVs/drones, rocketry, FSAE, CubeSat, or similar technical teams.
• Previous simulation, GNC, avionics, or flight software internship experience.
• Currently pursuing a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

$25 - $33 an hour

The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level.

Benefits:

• Time Off: Interns are eligible for 5 days of sick leave and unpaid time off.
• Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms.

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.