Principal Operational Analysis and Modeling Engineer

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: We are currently seeking a creative and dynamic professional to build and lead operational analysis and simulation at Hermeus. As head of operational modeling and simulation, your work will directly shape the series of hypersonic aircraft Hermeus is developing as well as the capabilities they will bring to solve some of the most pressing challenges our customers face.  This role requires government, defense industry, and/or FFRDC/UARC experience and mastery of relevant software.  This role will be filled at a level commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience either at the manager or director level. Responsibilities: • Instantiate and develop operational analysis capability at Hermeus • Incorporate mission engineering and risk analysis to create decision-quality quantitative analyses • Create and develop models to represent real-world systems, processes, and operations • Gather and integrate engineering and test data to validate and calibrate simulations • Develop realistic combat scenarios to simulate various mission conditions including different threat environments, targets, and operational constraints • Assess the effectiveness and survivability of aircraft under different operational scenarios • Evaluate potential risks associated with aircraft missions, including the likelihood of encountering threats and the effectiveness of defensive countermeasures • Provide decision-makers with insights and recommendations based on simulation results related to system design, operations, and strategic planning • Maintain clear documentation of simulation models, methodologies, assumptions, and results • Effectively communicate findings and results to both internal and external technical and non-technical stakeholders • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including subject matter experts, other engineers, and analysts to ensure accuracy and relevance of simulation. • Maintain technical currency with the latest modeling and simulation techniques and associated technologies • Continuously improve and update models to reflect changing conditions and requirements • Manage projects related to modeling and simulation, including defining scope, timelines, and resource allocation. • Identify and model aircraft capabilities and critical systems required to support and execute national security mission sets • Fuse Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) inputs into broader DoD-wide analysis support architecture • Develop tools and processes for evaluating conceptual solutions to complex operational challenges, while expanding AFSIM’s scale of analysis via emerging machine learning and cloud computing tools Requirements: • Advanced degree in a relevant field • 5+ years of DoD, defense industry, and/or FFRDC experience with operational modeling and analysis Preferred Skills and Experience: • Fluency with relevant software for platform and mission modeling as well as with Python or similar programming languages • Comfort setting and achieving goals in a complex, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced environment. • Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. Position may include additional program security requirements in order to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. If so, incumbent must be willing to submit to a Counter Intelligence Polygraph • Willingness to travel 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.