Avionics Systems Engineer – Flight Safety Systems (FTS / AFSS)

Hermeus · Los Angeles, California · Posted 2026-03-04

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:

As an Avionics Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for owning the design, integration, testing, and certification of the Flight Termination System (FTS) hardware and software for advanced flight vehicles. You will work closely with cross-functional teams across avionics, electrical, mechanical, and ground systems engineering to ensure seamless system integration and compliance with range safety requirements. In this role, you will coordinate with regulatory authorities, manage system interfaces, and support overall vehicle readiness through development, testing, and flight operations. You will also serve as the technical authority for all Flight Termination System-related activities, ensuring system reliability, documentation, and mission success.

Responsibilities:

Own the full life cycle of the Flight Termination System including design, build, test, integration, and flight
Own the top level system design of the FTS inclusive of mechanical and electrical hardware and CONOPs
Own the interfaces between the FTS and the vehicle inclusive of avionics, fluid, and structural interfaces
Own the FTS interface to the Flight Test Range, inclusive of communications, requirements tailoring, documentation, and high level strategy
Own the procurement of critical FTS components
Own the qualification and acceptance testing campaign planning and execution
Own high level integration planning
Own operational procedure creation to ensure the successful operation of the system in the field
Support Flight safety analysis that works hand in hand with the FTS to maintain safe flight operations
Collaborate with range safety to create review and approve FTS documentation and develop FTS requirements on future vehicles
Clear communication of system status to leadership and flight operations

Requirements:

5+ Years of aerospace high criticality hardware experience
A degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace engineering, Math, physics or related field
Experience in hardware design (electrical and/or mechanical)

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Prior experience with range safety and RCC-319
Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing hardware designs, writing and releasing work instructions, planning and executing test plans
Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams
Experience with test planning and execution
Knowledge of technical risk management
Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
Meticulous attention to detail and a high level of motivation
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
Experience architecting avionics systems with COTS and in-house hardware
Experience with environmental testing such as vibration, thermal, and shock
Experience with government agencies
Experience with Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS)

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.

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
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.

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About Hermeus

Hermeus is developing Mach 5 aircraft to speed up the global transportation network.