Hermeus logo
Security
Space/Defense

Hermeus

Hypersonic aircraft for defense applications

Los Angeles· 60 rolesAtlanta· 21 rolesJacksonville· 3 roles

CORE INFO

$350M
Total Funding
Series C
Round
2018
Founded
275+
Team Size
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Headquarters

Hermeus is an aerospace company that designs and develops hypersonic aircraft, primarily for defense and national security purposes. Their innovative hybrid propulsion systems enable these aircraft to achieve high speeds, providing strategic advantages to the U.S. and its allies.

  • Hermeus recently raised $350 million in a Series C funding round led by Khosla Ventures, bringing its valuation to $1 billion.techcrunch.com
  • The company collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop unmanned, high-speed aircraft for defense missions.hermeus.com
  • Hermeus achieved its first unmanned supersonic flight with the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1, marking it as the fastest unmanned aircraft flying today.hermeus.com

WHY WE WOULD WORK AT HERMEUS

Cutting-Edge Technology

Join a team pioneering hybrid propulsion systems that enable hypersonic flight, pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation.

National Security Impact

Contribute to defense applications that ensure the U.S. and its allies maintain a strategic advantage over potential adversaries.

Rapid Growth Opportunities

Be part of a fast-growing company that has raised $350 million in Series C funding, providing ample opportunities for career advancement.

Collaborative Culture

Work alongside a diverse team of over 275 passionate individuals dedicated to innovation and excellence in aerospace.

Competitive Compensation

Enjoy attractive compensation packages that reflect the high-stakes nature of developing advanced defense technologies.

Innovative Projects

Engage in groundbreaking projects like the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1, the fastest unmanned aircraft, marking significant milestones in aerospace history.

MARKET AND TRACTION

TOTAL ADDRESSABLE MARKET

  • Hermeus operates primarily within the defense and national security sectors, focusing on high-speed, unmanned aerial systems.

  • The demand for hypersonic aircraft is expected to grow significantly as nations seek to enhance their military capabilities and maintain strategic advantages over adversaries.
  • KEY METRICS

    ✦ KEY METRIC
  • Total funding raised by Hermeus to date is $350 million, with the most recent Series C round announced in April 2026.

  • The company has grown to employ over 275 individuals across multiple locations, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Jacksonville, Florida.
  • NOTABLE CUSTOMERS

  • Hermeus collaborates directly with the U.S. Department of Defense and other government organizations to develop unmanned, high-speed aircraft for defense missions.

  • The company's focus on national security applications positions it as a key player in the defense aerospace market.
  • GROWTH TACTICS

  • Hermeus emphasizes innovation and rapid development cycles to stay ahead in the competitive aerospace sector.

  • The company leverages partnerships with government entities to secure contracts and funding for its advanced aircraft projects.
  • COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

  • Hermeus specializes in hybrid propulsion systems that combine turbine and ramjet technologies, allowing for efficient takeoff and hypersonic speeds.

  • The company's focus on unmanned aircraft positions it uniquely to meet the evolving needs of modern defense strategies.
  • PRODUCT AND TECH

    Hybrid Propulsion Systems

    Hermeus specializes in hybrid propulsion systems that integrate turbine and ramjet technologies, enabling aircraft to achieve hypersonic speeds. This innovative approach allows for efficient takeoff, supersonic flight, and acceleration beyond Mach 5, crucial for defense applications.

    Quarterhorse Aircraft

    The Quarterhorse is Hermeus's flagship unmanned aircraft designed for hypersonic flight, with the Mk 2.1 variant achieving its first unmanned supersonic flight in May 2026. This aircraft is pivotal for advancing high-speed capabilities in defense missions.

    Defense Collaboration

    Hermeus collaborates closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and other government organizations to develop high-speed, unmanned aerial systems. This partnership emphasizes the company's commitment to enhancing national security through advanced aerospace technology.

    Rapid Development Cycle

    Hermeus employs a rapid design, development, and testing cycle for its aircraft, allowing for quick iterations and advancements in hypersonic technology. This agility is essential for maintaining a strategic advantage in defense capabilities.

    FAA Certification

    The Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, enabling it to conduct experimental flights. This certification is a significant milestone, validating the aircraft's design and safety for future operational use.

    COMPANY CULTURE

    Values

  • Commitment to national security and defense

  • Innovation in aerospace technology

  • Speed and efficiency in development

  • Collaboration with government organizations

  • Integrity and accountability in operations
  • Operating Principles

  • Focus on rapid design and testing of hypersonic aircraft

  • Emphasis on hybrid propulsion systems for advanced capabilities

  • Continuous improvement and adaptation to new challenges

  • Teamwork across multiple locations for cohesive operations
  • Benefits

  • Competitive salary and equity options

  • Opportunities for professional development and training

  • Collaborative work environment fostering innovation

  • Health and wellness programs to support employee well-being
  • Team Cadence

  • Regular team meetings to align on goals and progress

  • Agile project management to adapt to fast-paced changes

  • Open communication channels for feedback and ideas

  • Cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and creativity
  • Learning & Growth

  • Encouragement of continuous learning and skill development

  • Access to industry conferences and workshops

  • Mentorship programs to support career advancement

  • Focus on innovative problem-solving and creative thinking
  • COMPENSATION SNAPSHOT

    D
    Comp score vs cohort
    vs. Security · Series C · US
    Based on publicly available compensation ranges from job postings; exact compensation may vary.
    Engineering IC1n = 22
    $50K – $66Kmedian $58K
    AtlantaLos Angeles / Bay Area
    Engineering IC2n = 5
    $106K – $140Kmedian $123K
    Los Angeles / Bay Area
    Engineering IC3n = 14
    $92K – $175Kmedian $133K
    Los Angeles / Bay Area
    Engineering IC4n = 18
    $139K – $187Kmedian $163K
    AtlantaLos Angeles / Bay Area
    G&An = 6
    $104K – $139Kmedian $122K
    Los Angeles / Bay Area
    Operationsn = 7
    $60K – $100Kmedian $80K
    Los Angeles / Bay Area
    US-only in v1 · only categories with n > 2 shown · in-person / hybrid / remote treated separately where n ≥ 3

    HIRING SIGNAL

    85
    Open roles on their careers page
    Snapshot via live ATS poll
    —
    Net new roles in the last 90 days
    Available once weekly history accrues
    90-Day VelocityV2 · BACKFILL
    Trend builds weekly as historical rows accrue
    By Function
    Breakdown of open roles
    Other · 60
    Design · 5
    G&A · 2
    Operations · 3
    Engineering · 15
    Top Locations
    Where hiring is concentrated
    Remote-eligible postings counted separately
    Los Angeles, CA
    60
    Atlanta, GA
    21
    Jacksonville, FL
    3
    Remote
    1
    SourcesGreenhouseLeverAshbyWorkableSmartRecruitersRipplingRecruiteeFallback · Wellfound, YC Work-at-a-Startup, careers-page scrape

    KEY COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Filter
    15 announcements · ranked by importance
    Apr 1, 2026FUNDINGHermeus raises $350M to build unmanned hypersonic fighters | TechCrunchtechcrunch.com
    Jun 1, 2026MILESTONEDIU Awards $159 Million For Hermeus To Demonstrate High-Mach Flight And Payload Release - Aviation Tech Todayaviationtoday.com
    Mar 10, 2022FUNDINGHermeus Secures $100M Funding Boost For Hypersonic Plans | Aviation Weekaviationweek.com
    May 31, 2025MILESTONEHermeus Flies Quarterhorse Mk 1 at Edwards Air Force Basehermeus.com
    Aug 13, 2021MILESTONEHermeus Fully-Funded to Flight with $60M U.S. Air Force Partnershiphermeus.com
    May 12, 2024PRODUCTHermeus Halcyon New York to London in 90 Minuteshermeus.com
    Aug 22, 2023FOUNDER PROFILENew York To Paris In 90 Minutes. Can This Startup Make It Happen?static1.squarespace.com
    Jun 5, 2024ESSAYAsymmetric War: The Founder’s Secret Weaponpiratewires.com
    May 11, 2026EXEC HIREHermeus Announces Executive Leadership Transition; Zach Shore Named CEO, AJ Piplica Remains Executive Chairman | Hermeushermeus.com
    Nov 18, 2022MILESTONEHermeus completes hypersonic milestone with engine testshermeus.com
    Sep 10, 2026PRODUCTHermeus Unveils Ramjet-X, a Low-Cost Test Vehicle for High-Mach Flighthermeus.com
    Apr 2, 2024PRODUCTHermeus Unveils First Aircraft, Quarterhorse Mk 1 – Hermeushermeus.com
    May 12, 2022FUNDINGRaytheon Technologies venture capital group invests in Hermeusraytheon.mediaroom.com
    Jan 1, 2022INTERVIEWFounder Interview: Hermeus' Hypersonic Airlinersairwaysmag.com
    May 14, 2024MILESTONEHermeus Begins Precooler Testing with Pratt and Whitney F100 Enginehermeus.com