Product Manager – Propulsion Test

Hermeus is a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company. The business is focused on building high-speed products that sustainably deliver asymmetric advantage to the Department of Defense and allied partners. Utilizing an iterative development approach to aircraft, Hermeus’ high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft aim to deliver capabilities at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s.

Hermeus is also developing its airbreathing propulsion test facility called HEAT (High Enthalpy Airbreathing Test) at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, FL. This facility will be capable of testing high Mach propulsion systems, enabling Hypersonic flight.   

We are seeking a technically fluent and strategically minded Product Manager to lead the development and execution of our Propulsion Test Capability Build out and Service offering—enabling rapid and scalable propulsion testing for DoD, industry, and research customers. 

This role is responsible for extracting customer problems, shaping the product vision, defining core capabilities, aligning engineering requirements, developing pricing strategies, authoring proposals, and managing strategic supplier relationships. The Product Manager will work cross-functionally with engineering, program and test management, contracting, and business development teams to ensure that the facility capability and test offering is both technically robust and contract-ready for government acquisition pathways. 

This is a high-impact role that blends product development, engineering acumen, business strategy, and government contracting fluency to help operationalize and commercialize advanced propulsion test capabilities. 

• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement 
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to align product capabilities with current and emerging DoD and commercial test requirements. 
• Translate customer needs into product features, capabilities, and tailorable service configurations. 
• Act as a product advocate and subject matter expert in meetings with government sponsors, prime contractors, and internal leadership. 

• Product Strategy & Development 
• Define the Propulsion Test facility requirements, scope and plan of facility expansion, facility capability, key suppliers, and resourcing required.   
• Define the Propulsion Test Service offering, including capability, performance and testing requirements, operating models and logistics, and customer value propositions. 
• Develop and validate pricing models that encompass all aspects of planning, pre-test coordination, integration, test execution, and post-test data processing.  
• Establish technical and operational baselines and roadmap for facility improvements and capability enhancements to meet customer needs.  

• Proposal & Acquisition Execution 
• Serve as lead for technical proposals, white papers, and RFI/RFP responses to government and commercial customers. 
• Develop and manage Statements of Work (SOWs), pricing estimates, and technical documentation for proposal packages. 
• Collaborate with contracting officers and acquisition teams to ensure test services are structured for smooth integration into government contract vehicles (e.g., OTA, IDIQ, SBIR/STTR, CSO) and commercial / business to business customers. 

• Strategic Supplier Management 
• Source and evaluate potential strategic suppliers and subcontractors for key components and/or services (e.g. design, construction, instrumentation, integration hardware, support services). 
• Define and manage supplier scopes, schedules, pricing, and risk mitigation strategies. 
• Develop long-term supplier relationships that align with capability, reliability, and scalability goals. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, or related).
• 7+ years of experience in product development, technical project management, or system integration within aerospace, defense, or R&D environments. 
• Prior experience and familiarity with propulsion systems, engine test programs or ranges, test environments, and ground test facility operations. 
• Demonstrated experience in developing technical proposals and statements of work for DoD customers. 
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition pathways, including OTAs, IDIQs, and proposal processes. 
• Experience with pricing models for government or commercial test services. 
• Experience managing or sourcing technical suppliers or subcontractors. 
• Strong communication, writing, and analytical skills—able to synthesize technical content and translate it into business outcomes. 
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance.

• Master’s in Engineering or Business preferred. 
• TS clearance. 

• Primarily office-based role with frequent interaction across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
• May require occasional presence in manufacturing, hangar, or test environments where exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts is possible.
• Work is generally performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, but travel between facilities or to suppliers/customers may be required (up to 30%).
• Standard business hours with occasional evening or weekend work to meet program deadlines or support test activities.
• Regular use of computers, teleconferencing tools, and standard office equipment.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
• Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).
• Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support suppliers, customers, and program reviews.

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.