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

Los Angeles, CAEngineering – Engines and Propulsion /Full-time /On-siteHermeus 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.ResponsibilitiesOwn the full life cycle of the Flight Termination System including design, build, test, integration, and flightOwn the top level system design of the FTS inclusive of mechanical and electrical hardware and CONOPsOwn the interfaces between the FTS and the vehicle inclusive of avionics, fluid, and structural interfacesOwn the FTS interface to the Flight Test Range, inclusive of communications, requirements tailoring, documentation, and high level strategyOwn the procurement of critical FTS componentsOwn the qualification and acceptance testing campaign planning and executionOwn high level integration planningOwn operational procedure creation to ensure the successful operation of the system in the fieldSupport Flight safety analysis that works hand in hand with the FTS to maintain safe flight operationsCollaborate with range safety to create review and approve FTS documentation and develop FTS requirements on future vehiclesClear communication of system status to leadership and flight operationsRequirements5+ Years of aerospace high criticality hardware experienceA degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace engineering, Math, physics or related fieldExperience in hardware design (electrical and/or mechanical) Preferred Skills and Experience Prior experience with range safety and RCC-319Experience 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 clearanceExperience 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) $91,800 - $224,250 a yearEngineer I $91,800-$112,200Engineer II $114,750-$140,250Engineer III $138,550-$187,450Engineer IV $165,750-$224,250The 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 insuranceFinancial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonusesTime Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employeesOffice Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakroomsU.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 OPPORTUNITYHermeus 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.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.