Mission Manager

Hermeus is an aerospace and defense technology company founded to radically accelerate air travel by delivering hypersonic aircraft. The company aims to develop hypersonic aircraft quickly and cost-effectively by integrating hardware-rich, iterative development with modern computing and autonomy. This approach has been validated through design, build, and test of the company’s first combined turbojet-ramjet engine and is now being scaled through its first flight vehicle program, Quarterhorse. Hermeus is also developing Darkhorse — an uncrewed hypersonic aircraft designed to deliver unique asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter.

We are seeking a highly motivated ‘owner’ to join our team as Hermeus’ first Mission Manager. The ideal candidate is an accountable, curious, and competitive problem owner and solver. Someone who seeks to deliver the ‘right’ solution and overcome bureaucratic inertia at every turn. Mission Managers do not simply implement the contract; they deliver capabilities to the warfighter while serving as the glue that connects Hermeus’ technical teams with the customer. You should have a passion for, and endurance to, work on delivering high-Mach and Hypersonic aircraft to the customer.  

The first hire in this role has a unique opportunity to take the team and function from 0 -> 1, and directly impact Hermeus’ technical and economic bottom-line on day one.  

Do you have what it takes? 

• Contract and Account Management: 
• Own customer relationships and ensure on-time and on-budget contract execution and delivery 
• Develop and leverage contracted customer relationships to grow existing product offerings and identify potential new solution.  
• Work directly with product, Advanced Development, sales, and logistics to deliver and develop products and capabilities for Hermeus customers 
• Partner with the security team to ensure all relevant and appropriate security protocols and procedures are in place to execute work. This includes document management and storage, read-ons for relevant team members, program protection planning etc. 
• Write and negotiate contract mods (according to FAR/DFAR/OTA regulations) and extensions for contracted work, while also identifying and coordinating with product and growth teams on areas for product expansion 
• Own the delivery and quality control of all contracted deliverables for an engagement and coordinate across all business functions in support of deliverables 
• Serve as the voice of the customer to ensure we’re building what the customer needs before they know they need it 
• Understand Hermeus core value proposition and serve as a critical voice in market to differentiate Hermeus offerings from the competition 
•  Proposal Execution & Support: 
• Support the drafting and delivery of RFIs and white papers as necessary 
• Coordinate with product, Advanced Development, and growth teams on schedule development and resourcing based on proposal scope 
• Assist finance team with proposal pricing and the proposal team with overall proposal execution 
• Support product, growth, and Advanced Development in drafting statements of work and support the development of proposals that will transition into customer contracts  

• Strong technical aptitude is a must: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a STEM related field preferred (relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree) 
• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in account management in the aerospace and defense industry. Aviation, or technical, product focus strongly preferred 
• Proven track record of successfully managing and executing DoD contracts. Minimum of 6+ years of contract management experience. Preferred experience in airborne systems 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence people through both formal and informal constructs and in situations with lack of clarity across teams 
• We’re looking for owners – Demonstrated ability to take responsibility for projects and outcomes with a strong sense of ownership and accountability 
• Experience with FAR/DFAR/OTA type negotiations preferred Clear communicator who can structure plans and make chaos into clarity 
• Must be able to drive cross-functional outcomes in fast paced organizations where decision making resides at the edge as much as possible 
• Strong understanding of contract management, contract modifications, and customer negotiations 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with customers, internal engineer & test teams, and suppliers effectively 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate market trends and drive product innovation 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance. (TS/SCI cleared preferred)