The Director of Software Engineering will lead the software engineering team, overseeing the design and development of software systems for high-speed aircraft, ensuring quality, safety, and successful integration with hardware systems.
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.
As the Director of Software Engineering at Hermeus, you will be responsible for overseeing the software engineering function for our high-speed vehicles.
Your primary focus will be on leading the design, development, and integration of software systems that enable safe and efficient operation of our high-speed aircraft.
You will manage a talented team of software engineers and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including avionics, vehicle engineering, and systems integration, to ensure seamless software integration throughout the aircraft.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and manage the flight software engineering team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Drive the technical strategy and execution for the development, integration, and testing of flight software for advanced hypersonic vehicles.
- Oversee the architecture and design of flight control systems and ensure their alignment with mission requirements and safety standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineering, systems engineering, GNC, and flight test, to deliver integrated software solutions.
- Define software development processes and best practices, ensuring timely delivery of software that meets stringent quality and safety requirements.
- Spearhead the software verification and validation efforts, including simulation-based testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and flight tests.
- Establish and manage performance metrics for software quality, productivity, and innovation.
- Represent the flight software engineering team in meetings with executives, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure alignment with program objectives.
- Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, trends, and advancements in flight software development and aerospace engineering.
- Drive continuous improvement in team processes and capabilities, advocating for a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience in embedded flight software development, with at least 4year in a leadership or senior technical role.
- Professional experience with real-time embedded systems, flight control software, or mission-critical software development.
- Professional experience in recruiting, developing, and scaling engineering teams, including coaching and mentoring engineers at all levels.
Preferred Skills and Requirements:
- Experience working in a startup environment is a plus
- Master's or PhD degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Robotics).
- Experience working with aerospace safety standards and regulations (e.g., DO-178C, MIL-STD-498, etc.)
- Experience with avionics systems, flight simulation environments, and autonomous vehicle software development.
- Prior experience working in the hypersonic or commercial space sectors.
- Active participation in industry standards committees or working groups related to aerospace software.
The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.
At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.
- Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
- Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
- Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
- 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 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.
Hermeus Los Angeles, California, USA Office
Los Angeles, CA, United States
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