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Director of Vehicle Engineering

Hermeus

Hermeus

Administration
Atlanta, GA, USA
Posted on Jul 21, 2023
Hermeus is a startup developing hypersonic aircraft to radically accelerate air travel. At Mach 5, more than twice the speed of the supersonic Concorde, passengers will be able to cross the Atlantic in 90 minutes. On the path to hypersonic passenger aircraft, Hermeus is partnering with government agencies including the US Air Force and NASA to develop a series of autonomous aircraft that derisk the technology and solve urgent national security challenges. These products provide the data and confidence necessary to certify, produce, operate, and maintain safe and comfortable commercial aircraft. Hypersonic aircraft have the potential to create trillions of dollars of new global economic growth per year, unlocking significant resources that can be utilized to solve the world’s greatest problems.
As the Director of Vehicle Engineering at Hermeus, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire vehicle engineering function within our company. Your primary objective will be to lead the design and development of advanced vehicles that can withstand the unique challenges posed by high-speed flight. You will manage a team of talented vehicle engineers and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and avionics, to ensure the seamless integration and performance of our aircraft.

Responsibilities

  • Vehicle Engineering Strategy and Leadership:
  • Develop and execute the vehicle engineering strategy in alignment with the company's overall vision and objectives.
  • Provide strong leadership and guidance to the vehicle engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
  • Establish vehicle engineering standards, processes, and best practices to ensure efficient development and certification of high-speed aircraft.
  • Vehicle Design and Development:
  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of the overall vehicle architecture, including airframe, landing gear, control surfaces, and propulsion integration.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines for vehicle design and performance.
  • Collaborate closely with other engineering teams to integrate subsystems and optimize the vehicle's aerodynamic performance, structural integrity, and thermal management.
  • Performance and Safety:
  • Define performance requirements for high-speed aircraft, including speed, range, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency.
  • Oversee the vehicle performance analysis, testing, and validation to ensure compliance with performance targets and safety requirements.
  • Drive continuous improvement in vehicle performance, efficiency, and reliability through innovative engineering solutions.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and avionics teams to integrate vehicle systems and subsystems seamlessly.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize vehicle design for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and maintainability.
  • Foster effective communication and collaboration across different engineering disciplines to achieve overall program objectives.
  • Certification and Regulatory Compliance:
  • Lead the vehicle certification process, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, airworthiness requirements, and industry standards.
  • Collaborate with regulatory authorities and certification agencies to obtain necessary approvals for vehicle systems and components.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
  • Extensive experience (7+ years) in vehicle engineering for aerospace applications, with a focus on aircraft design and development
  • Management experience including interviewing and professional development
  • Proven track record in leading and managing vehicle engineering teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • In-depth knowledge of aerospace vehicle design principles, structural analysis, aerodynamics, and system integration.
  • Familiarity with industry standards and regulations governing aircraft design, certification, and airworthiness.
  • Proficiency in using engineering software and tools for vehicle design, analysis, and simulation.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
We encourage you to apply even if you have skillsets and experience outside of our current needs as we're always open to connect and discuss future opportunities.