Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Hermeus; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer in Jacksonville, Florida. This role involves designing and maintaining propulsion test systems, executing test operations, and working closely with various engineering teams. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of relevant experience with hands-on testing of complex systems. This position offers the opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge hypersonic technology development.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in propulsion test, mechanical systems, or fluid systems design and operation.
• Hands-on experience with high-pressure, cryogenic, or high-temperature fluid systems.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work extended hours or weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain propulsion test stands and associated infrastructure.
• Execute propulsion and subsystem test operations and support maintenance of test equipment.
• Analyze test data to validate performance and recommend improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or related Engineering discipline

Tools

Data acquisition and control systems

P&IDs and mechanical drawings

Job description

Overview

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.

At Hermeus, we are constantly iterating and integrating. We test early and often to minimize technical and program risk. We build the test infrastructure that supports our full range of test programs spanning development, operational and certification testing.

Hermeus is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to support the development, integration, and operation of propulsion test systems at our Florida facility. This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on building test capabilities and executing test campaigns for next-generation hypersonic propulsion systems.

You will work closely with engineers and technicians across multiple disciplines to design test hardware, operate complex test facilities, and ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable performance. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys building, troubleshooting, and operating large-scale test systems and wants to be directly involved in advancing high-Mach technology.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain propulsion test stands and associated infrastructure, including mechanical systems, fluid systems, and instrumentation.
• Execute propulsion and subsystem test operations, including planning, integration, checkouts, and post-test analysis.
• Support the maintenance of existing test equipment, data acquisition systems, and control hardware.
• Generate and review detailed test plans, procedures, and safety documentation.
• Collaborate with propulsion, GNC, software, and vehicle systems engineers to support test article integration and operation.
• Analyze test data to validate performance, identify anomalies, and recommend design or procedural improvements.
• Participate in system readiness reviews, safety walkdowns, and test preparation activities.
• Work with technicians to install hardware, route fluid lines, connect instrumentation, and configure control systems.
• Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions when test failures or anomalies occur.
• Drive continuous improvements in test operations, safety, and reliability processes.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related Engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in propulsion test, mechanical systems, or fluid systems design and operation.
• Hands-on experience working with high-pressure, cryogenic, or high-temperature fluid systems.
• Proficiency in reading and creating P&IDs and mechanical drawings
• Experience with data acquisition and control systems.
• Strong understanding of system safety practices and operational discipline in hazardous test environments.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator who can work independently within a fast-paced, cross-functional team.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work extended hours or weekends as required by test schedules.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field.
• Experience with air-breathing or rocket propulsion systems (turbomachinery, ramjet, scramjet, or hybrid systems).
• Familiarity with ASME B31.3, ASME BPVC Section VIII, and pressure vessel/facility standards.
• Experience with command and control systems, PLCs, and test automation.
• Background in instrumentation calibration, dynamic data collection, and signal processing.
• Experience with facility commissioning or large-scale test system buildouts.
• Hazardous operations or pyrotechnic system experience.
• Familiarity with DOE, DoD, or NASA test safety and operational standards.

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.