Senior Manager of Operational Test

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.

Hermeus is seeking a Senior Manager of Operational Test to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test and mission operations supporting the development of the world’s fastest aircraft. This role serves as the operational bridge between engineering, flight test, safety, and ground operations teams to ensure missions are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with program objectives

The Mission Operations Manager will oversee payload integration, mission planning, operational readiness, and execution across flight test campaigns and deployed operations. The ideal candidate brings strong operational leadership, experience in aviation or aerospace mission environments, and the ability to coordinate complex activities in fast-paced, high-consequence environments.

A commercial or military pilot license is highly valued, as pilot perspective plays an important role in mission planning, range coordination, test card development, and operational decision-making.

Work location and hybrid status are negotiable.

Responsibilities:
Mission Planning & Execution

• Lead mission planning activities for flight test operations, including mission timelines, resource allocation, and operational readiness

• Coordinate with flight test engineers, pilots, ground operations, and safety teams to ensure missions are executed safely and effectively

• Develop mission plans, operational procedures, and execution checklists for flight test campaigns

• Oversee daily mission readiness reviews and operational briefings

• Manage integration of new mission systems and external payloads with aircraft for flight test

Flight Test Operations Support

• Support development and execution of flight test plans and test cards

• Coordinate aircraft readiness, ground support equipment, range operations, and logistics required for flight testing

• Monitor mission execution and provide operational leadership during flight operations

• Identify and resolve operational risks or mission execution issues in real time

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the operational interface between engineering, flight operations, maintenance, safety, and mission planning teams

• Ensure alignment between program objectives and operational execution

• Coordinate with external partners including test ranges, regulatory bodies, and operational support organizations

Operational Readiness & Deployment

• Plan and support deployment of mission operations teams to remote or test locations

• Oversee mission logistics including personnel, equipment, and infrastructure requirements

• Ensure deployed operations meet safety, schedule, and operational objectives

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure mission operations comply with company safety policies and regulatory requirements

• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies

• Support operational safety reviews, hazard analyses, and mission readiness assessments

Minimum Requirements::
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Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aviation, operations management, or related field

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10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, or mission operations environments

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Experience coordinating complex operations involving multiple teams and technical systems

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Experience supporting flight test operations, mission planning, or aviation operations

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Strong leadership and decision-making skills in high-pressure operational environments

Preferred Skills and Experiences::
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Commercial, ATP, or military pilot license

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Flight test operations experience

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Experience working in experimental aircraft development or advanced aviation programs

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Experience with mission planning tools, flight operations software, or range coordination

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Military aviation, test pilot school exposure, or operational aviation experience

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Experience supporting rapid development or experimental flight programs

Working Conditions: :
• Primarily office-based role with frequent interaction across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.

• May require occasional presence in manufacturing, hangar, or test environments where exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts is possible.

• Work is generally performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, but travel between facilities or to suppliers/customers may be required (up to 30%).

• Standard business hours with occasional evening or weekend work to meet program deadlines or support test activities.

• Regular use of computers, teleconferencing tools, and standard office equipment.

Physical Requirements::
• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.

• Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.

• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).

• Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Must be able to travel as needed.

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.