Flight Software Engineering Intern - Simulation/Hardware-In-The-Loop - Spring & Summer 2027 at Hermeus

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 Team

The Mission Systems Engineering Team develops and integrates the hardware and software that enable Hermeus aircraft to execute missions.

As a Mission Systems Engineering Intern, you will work across avionics, software, communications, and system integration to help build, test, and troubleshoot mission capabilities. This role is ideal for someone with a strong mix of hands-on hardware experience and software development skills.

Spring: Around 16 weeks (January - April)

Summer: Around 12 weeks (May - 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.