Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern - Fall 2026

Hermeus; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 45,460; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 days of sick leave

Weekly paid office lunches

Fully stocked breakrooms

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking a Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern in Los Angeles to support the development and validation of advanced aircraft systems. You will collaborate with engineers and pilots, assisting in flight control validation, systems checkout, and test activities.

This opportunity is ideal for undergraduate students or graduate students passionate about aviation and strong in engineering principles. Interns will be compensated between $25 and $33 per hour for this position.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university.
• Currently working toward a pilot license or holds a Commercial Pilot License.
• Practical experience in designing, building, or testing vehicles through internships or coursework.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of flight test activities.
• Assist with flight control validation and system checkout.
• Document observations and scribe key results during test execution.

Skills

Flight testing

Engineering principles

Cross-functional teamwork

Excel skills

Education

Currently enrolled in a STEM program

GPA of 3.0 or above

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 Role:

As a Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern, you will support the development, integration, and validation of advanced aircraft systems in a hands‑on flight test environment. You will work alongside the full flight test team, including engineers, technicians, pilots, and cross‑functional stakeholders, to assist with hardware integration, system checkout, flight control validation, development testing, and test readiness activities.

This role is ideal for someone interested in flight test, engineering operations, and developmental aircraft. You will assist during test execution, support pilots, document results, and help improve the tools and workflows that make vehicle testing safer, faster, and more repeatable.

Fall: Around 16 weeks (August - December)

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.

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.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 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.

$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.