Autonomy Software Engineer
Hermeus
Autonomy Software Engineer
Hermeus
Develops hypersonic defense aircraft and engines
Salary Range: 110000 to 160000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)
We are seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to develop flight autonomy capabilities for Hermeus’ supersonic vehicle fleet. You will build software spanning guidance and control, mission autonomy, and navigation while working closely with RPA pilots, GNC engineers, software platform engineers, simulation engineers, and command-and-control teams.
This is a hands-on role for an engineer who is comfortable owning difficult, cross-functional problems from initial design through integration and flight testing. You will directly influence how Hermeus aircraft navigate, execute missions, interact with operators, and progressively achieve higher levels of autonomy.
The ideal candidate combines strong modern C++ software-development skills with experience in autonomous or unmanned systems and a practical understanding of guidance, controls, and navigation.
Develop modern C++ software for flight autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control
Design and implement mission-autonomy behaviors and vehicle decision-making capabilities
Develop and integrate guidance and control loops for unmanned aircraft
Support the integration, evaluation, and validation of navigation sensors and navigation solutions
Integrate autonomy capabilities into existing aircraft software architectures and command-and-control systems
Develop automated test suites, simulation scenarios, and utilities to verify autonomy performance and expected behavior
Work closely with GNC and simulation engineers to develop, test, and validate autonomy algorithms
Partner with RPA pilots and flight-operations teams to define and execute the autonomy roadmap
Integrate autonomy software with vehicle systems, communications links, ground systems, and operator interfaces
Diagnose and resolve complex problems spanning autonomy software, vehicle dynamics, navigation, simulation, and command-and-control interfaces
Participate in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, ground-test, and flight-test activities
Own technical problems from initial investigation through implementation, integration, testing, and operational use
Drive solutions across multidisciplinary teams in environments where requirements and vehicle capabilities are rapidly evolving
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field
Strong proficiency with modern C++, including experience developing production-quality software
Strong general software-engineering fundamentals, including software architecture, debugging, testing, and performance-conscious development
Experience developing software for unmanned aircraft, autonomous vehicles, robotics, spacecraft, or other autonomous systems
Experience with guidance and control algorithms, control loops, trajectory generation, or vehicle guidance software
Experience developing or integrating flight or mission-autonomy capabilities
Experience developing or integrating navigation systems, sensors, or state-estimation solutions
Ability to work effectively across software, GNC, simulation, systems, operations, and other engineering disciplines
Demonstrated ability to independently identify technical problems and drive them through resolution
Experience integrating complex software capabilities into larger vehicle or robotic-system architectures
Experience developing autonomy software for unmanned aerial systems or remotely piloted aircraft
Experience with flight guidance, path planning, trajectory generation, control allocation, or vehicle control
Experience with GNSS, INS, IMUs, air-data systems, sensor fusion, or other navigation technologies
Experience integrating autonomy software with command-and-control systems
Familiarity with over-the-air communications, vehicle-to-ground protocols, telemetry, and command interfaces
Experience with mission planning, contingency management, health monitoring, or autonomous decision-making
Experience with Linux-based embedded or real-time software systems
Experience with simulation, SIL, HIL, system-integration labs, ground testing, or flight testing
Experience collaborating directly with pilots, operators, or flight-test teams
Aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous vehicle, or spacecraft experience
Experience working in a startup, rapid-prototyping, or highly iterative development environment
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.
Hermeus designs and builds high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for defense, using uncrewed test platforms and a reusable propulsion system. Its core approach centers on the Quarterhorse testbed and the Chimera engine, a turbine-based combined cycle that starts in a turbojet mode for runway takeoff and transitions to a ramjet for speeds above Mach 5. The company differentiates itself with rapid, hardware-focused prototyping drawn from a spaceflight background and a clear path to production through government contracts with the DoD, DIU, and ABMS programs. Its near-term goal is to mature Quarterhorse and Darkhorse into production-capable systems for defense missions, while its long-term vision includes Halcyon, a 20-seat commercial airliner flying transatlantic routes in about 90 minutes.
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