Test Pilot

Hermeus

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Los Angeles, CA on site Until 9/21/2026 First posted July 23, 2026 Last posted July 23, 2026
Job description
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.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and execute taxi and flight operations for the Quarterhorse series of demonstrator aircraft 
  • Oversee Quarterhorse’s transition from remotely piloted system to a fully autonomous system to meet program objectives.
  • Maintain subject matter expertise on Quarterhorse demonstrator aircraft series 
  • Plan and develop ground and flight test procedures, run cards, and reports 
  • Work with Hermeus engineering staff and technical editors to deliver flight manuals and other relevant technical documentation 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Federal Aviation Administration transport pilot rating or military equivalent 
  • Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate 

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Instructor pilot experience 
  • Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements 
  • Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems 
  • Experience writing test plans and test procedures 
  • Flight experience in group 4/5 UAV (Global Hawk, Triton, and/or Reaper preferred)
  • Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
  • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to travel on short notice to support test campaigns. 5-10% baseline and up to 50% during flight test campaigns.

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.

Benefits:

  • 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.
 

Compensation (from employer):
135000–250000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Plan and execute aircraft flight tests, manage autonomous systems, and ensure safety and compliance.

Job title

Test Pilot

Experience level

military or civilian flight test experience

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

Los Angeles, CA; remote work not allowed

Salary

$135k–$250k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

FAA transport pilot ratingflight test experienceairworthiness requirementsaircraft performance calculationstest plans

Preferred skills

instructor pilotgroup 4/5 UAV experiencecommunication skillsfast-paced work ability

Specializations

flight operationsautonomous systemsaircraft performanceflight test procedures
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Los Angeles, CA, USA

On-site City
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