{"id":652307,"url":"https://alion.io/job/hermeus-chief-engineer-airbreathing-propulsion-test","title":"Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test","company":{"id":455980,"name":"Hermeus","domain":"hermeus.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/hermeus","size_band":"501-1000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Lever","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":91,"open_postings":61,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.148,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":119,"computed_at":"2026-10-28T05:59:10Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"head","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Jacksonville, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":138550,"max":247250,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":247250},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-05-22T19:39:20Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-05-22","last_verified_at":"2026-10-28T10:58:17Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":158,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":158},"description":"About The Role:\nWe are seeking a 1st principles driven, experienced, and owner mindset Chief Engineer to lead the design, construction, and activation of an expansion at our next-generation airbreathing propulsion test facility, HEAT, located in Jacksonville, FL. This facility expansion will play a critical role in advancing hypersonic and other advanced propulsion technologies vital to Hermeus’ roadmap, national security, and aerospace innovation.\nAs the Chief Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority and strategic lead responsible for the end-to-end development of the test facility-from concept and requirements definition through commissioning and operational readiness. This role will require close collaboration with internal teams, external contractors, and DoD stakeholders to ensure that the facility meets current and future propulsion testing needs.\nResponsibilities\nLead Facility Design and Architecture\nOversee the conceptual and detailed design of the test facility, including the air plant, test cells, airflow systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, safety systems, and support infrastructure. \nGuide requirements definition and translate test objectives into engineering specifications for propulsion systems. \nProgram and Technical Leadership\nServe as the principal engineering authority, ensuring technical rigor, mission alignment, and engineering excellence throughout all phases of the project. \nManage and direct cross-functional engineering teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, systems) and coordinate with external contractors and company stakeholders.\nSupport development of acquisition strategies, source selection, and contractor oversight. \nStakeholder Engagement and Oversight\nLiaise with government customers, test customers, and internal leadership to communicate progress, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment on priorities and capabilities. \nProvide authoritative input into decision-making, budgeting, milestone reviews, and operational transition planning.\nRisk and Quality Management\nIdentify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, safety, schedule, and integration with test assets or vehicle systems. \nImplement quality assurance processes across engineering and construction phases.\nInnovation and Futureproofing\nAnticipate future propulsion test and design for scalability and modular upgrades. \nEvaluate emerging technologies that could enhance facility capabilities or streamline operations. \nRequirements\nBachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace Engineering, or a related field (master’s or PhD preferred).\n\n10+ years of experiencein the design, development, or operation of propulsion test facilities, aerospace infrastructure, or similar test facility/infrastructure.\n\nPreferred Skills and Experience\nDemonstrated experience leading large-scale engineering projects involving complex systems integration and build.\n\nDeep understanding of airbreathing propulsion systems (e.g., turbojet, ramjet, scramjet, TBCC) and associated testing environments.\n\nStrong owner mindset with ability to independently execute and drive to outcomes.\n\nFamiliarity with relevant safety standards, environmental standards, construction requirements, and DoD or NASA aerospace test procedures.\n\nStrong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.\n\nMust be able to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance (TS preferred).","description_format":"text","description_chars":3423,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":10,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Defense Manufacturing","Aircraft 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