Program Manager
Hermeus
Operations
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 12, 2025
Hermeus is an aerospace and defense technology company founded to radically accelerate air travel by delivering hypersonic aircraft. The company aims to develop hypersonic aircraft quickly and cost-effectively by integrating hardware-rich, iterative development with modern computing and autonomy. This approach has been validated through design, build, and test of the company’s first combined turbojet-ramjet engine and is now being scaled through its first flight vehicle program, Quarterhorse. Hermeus is also developing Darkhorse — an uncrewed hypersonic aircraft designed to deliver unique asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter.
At Hermeus, we are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to join our growing team and help lead the next phase of hypersonic aircraft development. As a Program Manager, you will be a key leader in supporting the planning, execution, and delivery of our aircraft development programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the management of the overall program, managing cross functional teams ensuring that all projects are executed according to schedule, within budget, meets customer requirements, and is done so with high quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace engineering, and program management in fast-paced, innovative environment. This candidate will directly report to the Vice President of Advanced Development.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute program plans, budgets, and schedules to meet customer requirements and program objectives.
- Ensure timely and successful program execution by managing and communicating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality assurance.
- Ensure all program deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Identify and mitigate risks and issues that may impact program schedule, cost, or quality.
- Communicate program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders, including customers, executive management, and other internal teams.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers and stakeholders to promote ongoing business and future opportunities.
- Participate in business development activities, including proposal development and customer presentations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program Leadership: Lead and manage the development lifecycle of hypersonic aircraft programs, from initial concept through to prototype development, testing, and final delivery. Ensure all technical, financial, and schedule objectives are met.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, product development, flight test, operations, supply chain, and leadership teams to ensure seamless execution across all stages of the program.
- Project Planning & Scheduling: Develop and maintain detailed program plans, including timelines, milestones, resources, and deliverables. Proactively manage program risks, issues, and changes to minimize disruptions and ensure on-time delivery.
- Budget & Resource Management: Establish program budgets and resource plans, and manage expenses to meet financial goals. Optimize resource allocation across projects and teams to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
- Stakeholder Communication: Act as the main point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on program progress, risks, and mitigation plans. Develop and deliver program status reports, presentations, and documentation for senior management and customers.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks across all areas of the program, including technical, schedule, and financial risks. Develop and implement contingency plans as necessary.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure that all technical deliverables meet company and industry standards. Foster a culture of continuous improvement in engineering and production practices.
- Compliance & Regulatory Adherence: Ensure that all program activities comply with aerospace and defense industry regulations, standards, and certifications.
- Team Development: Lead and mentor a team of engineers and project managers, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace program management, with a focus on aerospace vehicle development.
- Proven track record of managing large, complex programs from concept to delivery in fast-paced, technology-driven environments.
- Experience in both hardware and software development, including iterative development processes and integration of autonomy and advanced computing technologies.
- Strong understanding of aerospace systems, propulsion technologies (e.g., turbojet, ramjet, scramjet), and hypersonic vehicle design and testing.
- Excellent project management skills, with expertise in program planning, resource management, and risk mitigation.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams and working effectively with senior leadership.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proficient in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, Airtable) and experience with Agile or iterative development methodologies.
- Knowledge of aerospace and defense industry standards, regulatory requirements, and certification processes.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar project management certification.
- Certification in aerospace or defense-specific systems (e.g., Systems Engineering, Lean Six Sigma).
- Ability to obtain and maintain FAA DER Certification.
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.