Test and Operations Engineering Intern - Spring/Summer 2027

Hermeus; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 days sick leave

Office lunches

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking a Test and Operations Engineering Intern in Los Angeles to help develop, integrate, and test advanced aircraft systems in a hands-on environment. You will work with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to support hardware integration, system checkout, and test readiness.

The role emphasizes rapid hardware development, troubleshooting, and improving procedures to make vehicle testing safer, faster, and more repeatable.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university.
• Undergraduate (3rd or 4th year) or graduate student (Master/PhD) eligible.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing vehicles through internships or projects.
• Experience with CAD, C++, Python, or similar technical software.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests.
• Develop test plans, procedures, checklists, and test cards.
• Monitor telemetry and assist with real-time troubleshooting.
• Review test data and help formulate engineering conclusions.
• Design and troubleshoot test hardware and instrumentation.
• Support cross-functional integration across mechanical, electrical, software, and vehicle systems.
• Develop scripts and automation to improve test efficiency.
• Collaborate with pilots and engineers to prepare systems for testing.
• Travel as needed for vehicle integration and test ops.

Skills

C++

Python

CAD

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

STEM program enrollment

Tools

CAD software

Python scripting

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 Test and Operations Engineering Intern at Hermeus, you will support the development, integration, and testing of advanced aircraft systems in a hands‑on environment. You will work alongside engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional teams to assist with hardware integration, system checkout, development testing, and test readiness activities.

This role is ideal for someone interested in engineering operations, test execution, and rapid hardware development. You will help troubleshoot issues, improve procedures, and support the tools and workflows that make vehicle testing safer, faster, and more repeatable.

Spring: Around 16 weeks (January - April)

Summer: Around 12 weeks (May - August)

Responsibilities

• Work alongside experienced engineers to support the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests, gaining direct exposure to real‑world aerospace challenges
• Develop test plans, procedures, checklists, and flight test cards
• Monitor telemetry during testing and assist with real‑time troubleshooting and decision‑making
• Review test data, identify issues, and help develop engineering conclusions and next steps
• Design, build, and troubleshoot test hardware, tooling, GSE, wiring, and instrumentation
• Support integration across mechanical, electrical, fluid, software, and vehicle systems
• Develop scripts and automation tools to improve test efficiency and repeatability
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and pilots to prepare systems for testing
• Travel as needed to support vehicle integration and test operations

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)
• Hands‑on experience designing, building, and testing vehicles through internships, studies or projects
• Experience with engineering tools such as CAD, C++, Python, or similar technical software
• Strong engineering fundamentals and interest in test and operational environments
• Strong interest in flight testing
• Strong understanding of engineering first principles
• Demonstrated ability to work within cross‑functional teams
• Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• GPA of 3.0 or above

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 by22 C.F.R.

• 120.62or 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.