Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test
Hermeus· Engineering – Engines and Propulsion
Jacksonville, FL$138.6k - $247.3kFull-timePosted 5mo ago
About the role
Lead the design, construction, and activation of an expansion at the HEAT airbreathing propulsion test facility in Jacksonville, FL. Serve as technical authority and strategic lead for end-to-end development from concept through commissioning and operational readiness, collaborating with internal teams, external contractors, and DoD stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Lead Facility Design and Architecture: Oversee conceptual and detailed design of the test facility, including the air plant, test cells, airflow systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, safety systems, and support infrastructure; translate test objectives into engineering specifications for propulsion systems.
- Program and Technical Leadership: Serve as the principal engineering authority, manage cross-functional engineering teams, coordinate with external contractors and stakeholders, support acquisition strategies, source selection, and contractor oversight.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Oversight: Liaise with government customers, test customers, and internal leadership to communicate progress, mitigate risks, and align on priorities and capabilities; provide input into decision-making, budgeting, milestone reviews, and transition planning.
- Risk and Quality Management: Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, safety, schedule, and integration with test assets or vehicle systems; implement quality assurance across engineering and construction phases.
- Innovation and Futureproofing: Anticipate future propulsion test needs, design for scalability and modular upgrades, and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance facility capabilities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field (master’s or PhD preferred)
- 10+ years of experience in design, development, or operation of propulsion test facilities, aerospace infrastructure, or similar facilities
Skills
Required:Project leadership for large-scale engineering programsAirbreathing propulsion systems knowledgeOwner mindset and independent executionStakeholder management and communication
Nice to have:Safety and DoD/NASA aerospace test procedures familiarity
Benefits
- Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
- Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, potential year-end bonuses
- Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
- Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Hermeus
Building the world's fastest aircraft.
Building the world's fastest aircraft.
aerospacehigh-speed aircrafthypersonic aircrafthigh-Mach aircraft
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