Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern - Fall 2026
About The Role:
As a Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern, you will support the development, integration, and validation of advanced aircraft systems in a hands-on flight test environment. You will work alongside the full flight test team, including engineers, technicians, pilots, and cross-functional stakeholders, to assist with hardware integration, system checkout, flight control validation, development testing, and test readiness activities.
This role is ideal for someone interested in flight test, engineering operations, and developmental aircraft. You will assist during test execution, support pilots, document results, and help improve the tools and workflows that make vehicle testing safer, faster, and more repeatable.
Fall: Around 16 weeks (August - December)About The Role:
As a Flight Test Operations Pilot Intern, you will support the development, integration, and validation of advanced aircraft systems in a hands-on flight test environment. You will work alongside the full flight test team, including engineers, technicians, pilots, and cross-functional stakeholders, to assist with hardware integration, system checkout, flight control validation, development testing, and test readiness activities.
This role is ideal for someone interested in flight test, engineering operations, and developmental aircraft. You will assist during test execution, support pilots, document results, and help improve the tools and workflows that make vehicle testing safer, faster, and more repeatable.
Fall: Around 16 weeks (August - December)Responsibilities:
- Support the broader flight test team in planning, executing, and analyzing development and flight test activities.
- Assist with flight control validation, system checkout, and test readiness for developmental aircraft.
- Support pilots and engineers during test operations, including in-seat test support and real-time coordination.
- Monitor test parameters, document observations, and scribe key results during test execution.
- Help review and interpret test data to support system performance, safety, and troubleshooting.
- Partner with engineers to improve test procedures, workflows, and validation processes.
- Support hardware integration, troubleshooting, and operational readiness activities.
- Capture lessons learned and help refine procedures to make testing safer, faster, and more repeatable.
Requirements:
- Must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program).
- Currently working toward a pilot license or already holds a Commercial Pilot License.
- Practical experience designing, building, testing, or operating vehicles through internships, coursework, labs, or hands-on projects.
- Strong interest in flight testing, aircraft systems, and developmental aircraft.
- Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
- Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on environments with complex systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus’ mission.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience with test operations, vehicle testing, or aircraft systems.
- Strong Excel skills for tracking, analysis, and documentation.
- Familiarity with web-based coding or scripting tools.
- Experience documenting test activities, procedures, or technical results.
The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level.
Benefits:
- 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.