Hermeus
Flight Software Engineering Intern (Simulation/Hardware-In-The-Loop) - Spring & Summer 2027
Be an Early Applicant
Support development of 6-DOF flight simulations and hardware-in-the-loop testing for flight software. Responsibilities include modeling vehicle dynamics, sensors, actuators, and engines; writing C++, Python, and MATLAB tooling; integrating avionics and flight hardware; troubleshooting with schematics and bench equipment; and automating logging, playback, and test workflows. The intern will independently own simulation and integration tasks within a multidisciplinary aerospace team.
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.
You'll join a small, fast-moving team building the avionics and flight software for a new flight vehicle program from clean sheet. Everything is actively being built, integrated, and tested on real hardware supporting real tests.
This role will focus on developing simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) infrastructure, combining software development, flight simulation, and hands-on hardware integration.
Small team, big ownership, and we move at speeds the rest of the industry doesn't.
Spring-Summer: Around 28 weeks (January - August)
Responsibilities:
- Support development of a 6-DOF flight simulation including vehicle dynamics, sensor/actuator models, and engine/plant models to verify flight software in closed loop.
- Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, including integrating flight computers, avionics, sensors, actuators, and cable harnesses.
- Write simulation and test software primarily in C++, with Python and MATLAB used for modeling and tooling.
- Troubleshoot and integrate hardware using schematics, pinouts, connectors, and common bench tools.
- Build tooling that makes simulation and HITL testing fast, repeatable, and data-rich through logging, playback, and automation.
- Independently own simulation and integration tasks from initial setup through testing and troubleshooting.
Required Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Working proficiency in C++.
- Strong understanding of physics and dynamics fundamentals, including rigid-body dynamics, classical mechanics, reference frames, and equations of motion.
- Comfortable working hands-on with hardware, including reading schematics and pinouts, building or terminating cables, and troubleshooting hardware.
- Comfortable using common bench tools such as a multimeter, oscilloscope, and power supply.
- Comfortable working in a Linux command-line environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary technical teams.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Working knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python for simulation modeling, analysis, and tooling.
- Experience with 6-DOF simulation, flight or vehicle dynamics modeling, or software-in-the-loop (SITL).
- Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), real-time, or embedded systems experience.
- GNC coursework or projects involving controls, state estimation, navigation, or flight dynamics.
- Soldering, connectorization, or wire-harness fabrication experience.
- Hands-on experience with robotics, UAVs/drones, rocketry, FSAE, CubeSat, or similar technical teams.
- Previous simulation, GNC, avionics, or flight software internship experience.
- Currently pursuing a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
#LI-Onsite
The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level.
- Time Off: Interns are eligible for 5 days of sick leave and unpaid time off.
- 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.
#LI-JC3
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Supports the design, integration, prototyping, testing, and release of mechanical systems for autonomous aircraft. Responsibilities include CAD modeling, drawings, bills of materials, tolerance analysis, engineering calculations, preliminary FEA, component selection, prototype testing, aircraft integration, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis. Collaborates with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, and test teams while completing defined tasks under guidance.
Top Skills:
3D CadFinite Element AnalysisFmeaGd&TMatlabMil-Std-810NxPythonRtca Do-160
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Develop and maintain automated test frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and validation infrastructure for distributed autonomy software and hardware systems. Build Python tooling, UI and API test automation, simulators, test harnesses, and hardware-in-the-loop solutions. Analyze failures, improve coverage and observability, and collaborate with engineering teams on verification strategies for safety-critical aerospace software. The role also evaluates AI-assisted development tools for test generation, debugging, log analysis, and workflow automation.
Top Skills:
APIsCC++Ci/CdClaude CodeCodexConanGitlab CiGoHardware-In-The-Loop (Hil)Large Language Models (Llms)LinuxNixPipPoetryPythonSetuptoolsShell ScriptingTypescriptYaml
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Leads a distributed infrastructure team and owns strategy, architecture, operations, modernization, and lifecycle management across hybrid enterprise, data center, lab, manufacturing, and engineering environments. Oversees compute, storage, virtualization, servers, backup, disaster recovery, PLM infrastructure, vendors, budgets, incidents, security, compliance, and infrastructure readiness. Partners with cloud, network, cybersecurity, facilities, and application teams while developing technical talent and ensuring reliable, scalable services.
Top Skills:
Active DirectoryAnsibleBashCmmcCohesityDcimEntra IdHyper-VInfrastructure As CodeItarKvmLinuxNetappNist 800-171PowershellPythonTeamcenterTerraformVMwareWindows
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

