--- title: 'Flight Software Engineering Intern (Simulation/Hardware-In-The-Loop) - Spring & Summer 2027 at Hermeus' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/flight-software-engineering-intern-simulation-hardware-in-the-loop-spring-wjy8d4h10nwx' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-18' --- # Flight Software Engineering Intern (Simulation/Hardware-In-The-Loop) - Spring & Summer 2027 at Hermeus - **Company:** Hermeus - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA - **Compensation:** $25–$33/hr - **Employment:** internship - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-09-29 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-18 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hermeus/78008094-ca81-4a0c-9a18-93b30f932acd ## 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. About the Team: The Mission Systems Engineering Team develops and integrates the hardware and software that enable Hermeus aircraft to execute missions. As a Mission Systems Engineering Intern, you will work across avionics, software, communications, and system integration to help build, test, and troubleshoot mission capabilities. This role is ideal for someone with a strong mix of hands-on hardware experience and software development skills. Spring: Around 16 weeks (January - April) Summer: Around 12 weeks (May - August) Responsibilities: - Support development of a 6-DOF flight simulation including vehicle dynamics, sensor/actuator models, and engine/plant models to verify flight software in closed loop. - Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, including integrating flight computers, avionics, sensors, actuators, and cable harnesses. - Write simulation and test software primarily in C++, with Python and MATLAB used for modeling and tooling. - Troubleshoot and integrate hardware using schematics, pinouts, connectors, and common bench tools. - Build tooling that makes simulation and HITL testing fast, repeatable, and data-rich through logging, playback, and automation. - Independently own simulation and integration tasks from initial setup through testing and troubleshooting. Required Qualifications: - Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. - Working proficiency in C++. - Strong understanding of physics and dynamics fundamentals, including rigid-body dynamics, classical mechanics, reference frames, and equations of motion. - Comfortable working hands-on with hardware, including reading schematics and pinouts, building or terminating cables, and troubleshooting hardware. - Comfortable using common bench tools such as a multimeter, oscilloscope, and power supply. - Comfortable working in a Linux command-line environment. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary technical teams. - GPA of 3.0 or above. Preferred Skills and Experience: - Working knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python for simulation modeling, analysis, and tooling. - Experience with 6-DOF simulation, flight or vehicle dynamics modeling, or software-in-the-loop (SITL). - Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), real-time, or embedded systems experience. - GNC coursework or projects involving controls, state estimation, navigation, or flight dynamics. - Soldering, connectorization, or wire-harness fabrication experience. - Hands-on experience with robotics, UAVs/drones, rocketry, FSAE, CubeSat, or similar technical teams. - Previous simulation, GNC, avionics, or flight software internship experience. - Currently pursuing a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. #LI-Onsite The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level. Benefits: Time Off: Interns are eligible for 5 days of sick leave and unpaid time off. 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. ## #LI-JC3 ## About Hermeus ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Hermeus is an aerospace and defense company building the world’s fastest aircraft through rapid iterative prototyping, targeting high-Mach and hypersonic flight for national security and commercial applications. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series C, ~$350M raised in latest round) - **Headquarters**: Hawthorne, California, USA (primary HQ at 3401 Jack Northrop Ave; additional offices in Los Angeles/El Segundo, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Washington, D.C.) - **Founded**: 2018 - **Founders**: AJ Piplica, Glenn Case, Skyler Shuford, Michael Smayda ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; Defense Technology - **Target customers**: B2G (primarily U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations), with future potential in commercial high-speed travel - **Mission**: Build the world’s fastest aircraft by reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping, delivering high-speed systems that provide an asymmetric advantage for the nation and its allies. ## Products & Services - **Quarterhorse Program**: A series of four purpose-built unmanned aircraft, each designed to unlock a specific technical challenge and incrementally de-risk hypersonic technology. The first aircraft flew in 2025, and the company reached supersonic flight just 364 days later—the fastest time from founding to supersonic flight in aviation history. - **High-Speed Propulsion Systems**: Development of air-breathing engines, including testing at the High Enthalpy Airbreathing Test (HEAT) facility in Jacksonville, FL, using Pratt & Whitney F100 engines as a baseline. - **Hypersonic Aircraft Platforms**: Future planned vehicles aimed at affordable, reusable hypersonic flight for defense and eventually commercial passengers. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed (conflicting reports; PitchBook lists latest Series C at $350M, total funding ~$566M) - **Key Metric**: Total Funding ~$566M (9 rounds); Annual Revenue estimated at $5.6M (LinkedIn data, likely early-stage). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Sam Altman (led Series B), Khosla Ventures (led Seed), United States Air Force ($60M grant), NASA (Non-Equity Assistance), and other defense-focused investors. - **Growth Signals**: 286 employees (+42% YoY); 122,889 LinkedIn followers (+58.2% yearly); rapid expansion from concept to supersonic flight in under 7 years; multiple open positions across engineering, manufacturing, and operations. ## Competitive Advantages - **Speed of Iteration**: Hermeus is the fastest company in aviation history to go from founding to supersonic flight (364 days after first flight), using a hardware-rich, test-early approach reminiscent of the Skunk Works era. - **First-Principles Engineering**: Small, cross-disciplinary teams that own problems end-to-end, enabling rapid decision-making and prototyping. - **Government & Strategic Relationships**: Deep ties with DoD, USAF, and NASA, providing both funding and clear mission requirements. - **Facilities & Infrastructure**: Four locations covering design, manufacturing, propulsion testing, and policy engagement, including a 110,000 sq ft facility in Atlanta and a dedicated test site in Jacksonville. ## Strategic Focus - **Current priorities**: Scaling the Quarterhorse program to achieve hypersonic flight; maturing engine and airframe integration; expanding manufacturing capacity; hiring top engineering and operations talent; deepening partnerships with defense customers. - **Direction for growth**: Move from unmanned demonstrators to operational hypersonic aircraft for defense, and eventually develop a commercial high-speed air transport capability. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Described as "rapid, relentless iteration" with a "total disregard for what others say can't be done." Emphasizes extreme ownership, stubborn focus, and a small-team, high-impact environment. - **Remote/Hybrid/Office Policy**: On-site roles required at Hawthorne (LA), Atlanta, Jacksonville, or D.C. (multiple open positions are on-site). - **Notable Perks**: - 100% premium coverage for health, dental, and vision for employees and dependents - 3 months paid parental leave (100% pay) plus optional additional unpaid month - Stock options for all full-time offers with equity refresher program - 401k & retirement plans - Unlimited PTO for exempt employees (generous accrued PTO for non-exempt) plus 12 federal holidays - Free weekly lunches, dog-friendly offices, commuter benefits - **Engineering Culture**: Hands-on, cross-functional teams; opportunities to work on flight hardware, propulsion, avionics, software, and test operations; fast promotion cycles for high performers. ## Sources 1. [Hermeus Careers](https://www.hermeus.com/careers) 2. [Hermeus Company Page](https://www.hermeus.com/company) 3. [LinkedIn Company Profile](https://linkedin.com/company/hermeus) 4. [PitchBook Profile](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/267414-22) 5. [Lever Job Board](https://jobs.lever.co/hermeus) ## Other roles at Hermeus - [Avionics Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-electrical-engineer-hermeus-los-angeles-4zejn6w966px) — Los Angeles, CA - [RF Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-systems-engineer-hermeus-atlanta-nhdshafjhpnb) — Atlanta, GA - [Senior Avionics Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-avionics-electrical-engineer-hermeus-los-angeles-pq9qt7ewxmpt) — Los Angeles, CA - [Senior/Principal Mission Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-principal-mission-software-engineer-hermeus-atlanta-m0q5yhze2j2k) — Atlanta, GA - [Senior Software Simulation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-simulation-engineer-hermeus-los-angeles-yptr4pphr7rz) — Los Angeles, CA - [Senior RF Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-rf-systems-engineer-hermeus-atlanta-vx5fvfc69fdq) — Atlanta, GA - [Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Electronics](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-electrical-engineer-power-electronics-hermeus-los-angeles-5vmycmmkehrq) — Los Angeles, CA - [Flight Software Engineer – Command & Control](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-software-engineer-command-control-hermeus-atlanta-enxssy7wy71b) — Atlanta, GA - [Senior Finance Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-finance-manager-hermeus-los-angeles-891m1brh2n1s) — Los Angeles, CA - [Sr IT Support Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-it-support-specialist-hermeus-atlanta-50r3738z6knn) — Atlanta, GA