Analyze, model, and optimize aircraft and propulsion system performance across the flight envelope. Develop and validate propulsion performance models, generate performance data, support engine-airframe integration, author flight test plans, and contribute to experimental and CFD modeling efforts including HEAT facility work.
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:
In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and optimizing aircraft and propulsion system performance across the full flight envelope. This position requires strong expertise in gas turbine engine cycles, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics to support aircraft development, certification, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Perform thermodynamic cycle analysis of turbofan engines, evaluating thrust, TSFC, efficiency, operability margins, and performance across the flight envelope.
- Develop, validate, and maintain propulsion system performance models to support aircraft integration, certification, and customer deliverables.
- Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive-level program assessments.
- Conduct runway and mission performance analyses
- Support engine-airframe integration efforts, including takeoff thrust optimization and safety-focused performance methodologies.
- Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion robustness, operability, and early design maturity.
- Contribute to advanced combustion and fluid dynamics modeling efforts
- Support experimental testing efforts including aeroacoustics, flow visualization (Schlieren), wind tunnel testing, and telemetry data analysis.
- Play a key role within our HEAT (High-Enthalpy Airflow Test) facility, including sizing, analyzing, and optimizing this world-class test infrastructure.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Strong foundation in thermodynamics, compressible flow, gas turbine engine cycles, and aerodynamics.
- Experience with propulsion performance modeling and aircraft performance analysis
- Proficiency in MATLAB and Python
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and validate complex engineering data sets.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering with focus on propulsion, aerothermodynamics, or combustion.
- Experience supporting turbofan engine development programs
- Background in CFD, Large Eddy Simulation (LES), or reduced-order modeling techniques.
- Exposure to experimental aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, or high-speed flow diagnostics.
- Strong systems-level thinking with attention to both detailed analysis and program-level impacts.
- Demonstrated leadership in technical initiatives or cross-functional collaboration.
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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