Spotlight on Hermeus’ Veterans
November 11, 2025
At Hermeus, we’re driven by a mission that demands courage, dedication, and teamwork — qualities that come naturally to those who’ve served. For many of our teammates, the dedication to national security and next-generation defense never ended, it just evolved. This Veterans Day, we’re proud to a shine light on just some of the many remarkable veterans on our team who continue to push boundaries in aerospace innovation.
For many, joining Hermeus feels like a continuation of purpose: advancing technology, defending national interests, and taking on challenges others call impossible. Veterans across Hermeus play a key role in turning bold ideas into reality, forming the ideal team to build the world’s fastest aircraft. From flight test to the factory floor, these veterans bring the same discipline, creativity, and grit that defined their service.
Jeremy “NOVA” Vanderhal
Hermeus Flight Test Pilot | U.S. Air Force, Fighter Pilot
After more than two decades in the U.S. Air Force flying fighter planes and serving as a test pilot, Jeremy "NOVA” Vanderhal knows what it means to move fast. Today, he continues to serve his country in a new way, by helping design and fly aircraft that will define the future of aerospace and national defense.
“I love getting to help design new aircrafts from the ground up. I love that we are competing on a strategic level with our opponents and helping to advance America’s ability to project power worldwide. Also, I love flying fast.” - Jeremy Vanderhal
Andrew Neal
Mission Systems Engineering Lead | U.S. Marine Corps, 6324-Comm/Nav/C2/Weapons Avionics
Andrew Neal, a former Marine Corps avionics technician, now leads Mission Systems Engineering at Hermeus. His career has come full circle, from maintaining communication systems overseas to designing the next generation of avionics for hypersonic aircraft.
“I’ve seen the full lifecycle of an avionics system having started my career as an end user in Afghanistan — to now designing the same avionics & software systems that will eventually get used by the DoD. Our Quarterhorse [aircraft program] can be a hypersonic Swiss Army knife for the DoD. The value proposition is incredible.” - Andrew Neal
Nathan Alvarez
Sheet Metal Technician | U.S. Marine Corps, MV-22 Osprey Airframe Mechanic
Nathan Alvarez spent five years in the Marine Corps as a medium tiltrotor airframe mechanic on the MV-22 Osprey. Now, a Hermeus sheet metal technician, he’s helping reach goals that many said were impossible.
“What excites me most about Hermeus' mission is how improbable it is. For decades now, everyone in the aerospace world seems to have this idea that "it" can't be done, and everyone just accepts that. [At] Hermeus we don't care what others think about "it" and you can feel that from the top down. [...] These planes and this mission belong to every single person here, and we own that.” - Nathan Alvarez
Matt White
Cyber Security Manager | U.S. Air Force, Combat Controller (CCT) Aircraft Recovery
Matt White’s extensive background in both military and government services provides him with a profound understanding of complex security landscapes. At Hermeus, he's putting his ability to adapt quickly towards delivering innovative capabilities to the warfighter.
“What truly excites me about Hermeus' mission is the profound opportunity to be at the forefront of aerospace innovation, directly contributing to advancements that push the boundaries of what's possible. The prospect of working together with incredible minds, surrounded by amazing aircraft that represent the pinnacle of engineering achievement, is incredibly motivating.” - Matt White
RUSSELL COURSEY
Flight Test Technician | USMC, Rifleman
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Russell Coursey understands dedication and discipline. Now he’s bringing those same principles to Hermeus’ mission, pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Logan Smith
Quality Specialist | U.S. Army, Blackhawk Helicopter Quality Assurance
Logan Smith spent six years in the US Army working as a quality assurance specialist providing maintenance for Blackhawk helicopters. Today, Logan brings his quality specialist experience to Hermeus, working towards our hypersonic goals by helping to set the manufacturing standards that will enable Hermeus to go faster and build quality vehicles.
“The Hermeus team as a whole all wants to positively contribute to the one goal of building the next generation of aircraft and setting the standard on how we do that.” - Logan Smith
Jay “Rocks” Wagemann
Director of Mission Management | U.S. Air Force, Commander of Air Force Test and Evaluation Center Detachment
After having spent a large part of his career working with airspace ranges, executing and leading operational test missions, Jay “Rocks” Wagemann is now bringing his experience to Hermeus as our Director of Mission Operations. The leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking he developed throughout his military experience is now being applied to Hermeus’ mission to aggressively develop and test aircraft.
"I am incredibly excited to be working here at Hermeus. We are developing capability at a pace unheard of in recent years. We are moving so fast people don't believe it's possible, but the Hermeus team has already proved them wrong, and I am confident we will continue to do so. America has been resting on its laurels in the defense industrial base for too long. Other countries are producing new capability at more than double the rate America is. I'm very proud to be part of the team that's stepping up to the challenge and bringing those still serving the capability they need to remain the world’s most capable military!” - Jay Wagemann
Andrew Davidson
Avionics Integration Tech III | U.S. Navy, Aviation Electrician’s Mate, USS John C. Stennis
Andrew’s love for aviation started aboard the USS John C. Stennis, where he worked on aircraft electrical systems as F-18s launched from the deck beside him. That experience built the foundation for his work today at Hermeus, troubleshooting and wiring complex systems that bring our aircraft to the sky,
“Working here at Hermeus gives me a sense of pride knowing that the product we’re building will hopefully serve as a deterrent to foreign countries. Ultimately, it’s about keeping Americans safe.” - Andrew Davidson
On this Veterans Day, we honor all men and women who have worn the uniform and those who continue to serve in new ways. Your commitment and dedication to your country is what makes the future we’re building possible. To every veteran across the nation, thank you for your service and for inspiring us to keep pushing boundaries.
ABOUT HERMEUS
Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.