--- title: 'Software Engineering Intern (HIL) - Spring/Summer 2027 at Hermeus' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineering-intern-hil-spring-summer-2027-hermeus-atlanta-cs28dpt04fhh' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-08' --- # Software Engineering Intern (HIL) - Spring/Summer 2027 at Hermeus - **Company:** Hermeus - **Location:** Atlanta, GA - **Compensation:** $25–$33/hr - **Employment:** internship - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-09-01 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-08 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hermeus/d87ed913-affc-475e-b721-c5b5f11c3c7b ## 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 Role: The Software Engineering "Hardware in the Loop" intern will support the setup, integration, maintenance, and testing of real-time simulation environments that connect hardware components with software models. This role will have a strong focus on developing automated tests, maintaining test infrastructure, and ensuring test stands remain reliable and ready to support ongoing flight software development and validation. Spring: Around 16 weeks (January - April) Summer: Around 12 weeks (May - August) Responsibilities: - Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test benches and supporting test infrastructure - Develop, implement, and maintain automated test scripts for flight software and vehicle systems - Expand automated test coverage and support regression testing of new software and system updates - Perform routine test stand upkeep, including hardware configuration, software updates, calibration, documentation, and issue resolution - Debug signal, hardware, software, and communication issues across integrated systems - Assist in validating vehicle, avionics, and flight deck control systems through automated and manual testing - Analyze test results, identify failures or unexpected behavior, and support root cause investigation - Document test procedures, test results, configurations, and changes to test infrastructure - Collaborate with Flight Software and cross-functional engineering teams to improve test reliability, coverage, and overall system performance Requirements: - Pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field - Proficiency in Julia or strong experience with scientific computing/programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ - Experience developing scripts, automated tests, or software tools - Experience working with hardware integrations and embedded computers such as Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, or STM32s - Familiarity with debugging hardware/software interfaces, communication protocols, or integrated systems - Strong understanding of engineering first principles - Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams - Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus' mission - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - GPA of 3.0 or above 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 - [Senior IT Support Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-it-support-specialist-hermeus-los-angeles-htzc267anray) — Los Angeles, CA - [Art Director](https://feeny.ai/job/art-director-hermeus-los-angeles-cg3an8vnzm0a) — Los Angeles, CA - [Workplace Operations Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/workplace-operations-specialist-hermeus-washington-egyk10288csk) — Washington, DC - [Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-hermeus-los-angeles-bczdmh6kyrnt) — Los Angeles, CA - [Build Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/build-engineer-hermeus-los-angeles-v8raxep1ntz8) — Los Angeles, CA - [Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test](https://feeny.ai/job/chief-engineer-airbreathing-propulsion-test-hermeus-jacksonville-yr9gzx5raxt4) — Jacksonville, FL - [Senior Model-Based Design Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-model-based-design-engineer-hermeus-los-angeles-4n62y7k0mftm) — Los Angeles, CA - [Operational Test Pilot & Exercise Integration Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/operational-test-pilot-exercise-integration-lead-hermeus-los-angeles-82zt2msq21gd) — Los Angeles, CA - [Business Development Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/business-development-analyst-hermeus-los-angeles-phspd8t2cwk9) — Los Angeles, CA - [Avionics Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-electrical-engineer-hermeus-los-angeles-4zejn6w966px) — Los Angeles, CA