Paul J. Hermann was born to John and Ellen (Erickson) Hermann on September 30, 1923, in Sheldahl, Iowa. He enrolled at Iowa State College (University) where he received his B.S. (1947) in aerospace engineering and his M.S. (1951) in theoretical and applied mechanics. During World War II, Hermann conducted work as a radio technician in the Philippines while serving in the U.S. Navy.

While enrolled as a graduate student at Iowa State, Hermann served as an instructor (1947-1950) in theoretical and applied mechanics. He went on to pursue a career in engineering, working in the Developmental Engineering Department of the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation in Akron, Ohio. At Goodyear, he was employed as a Senior Development Engineer (1951-1954), Group Leader (1954-1960) in the Computer Application Laboratory, and Engineering Specialist (1960) in Analytical Dynamics.

Hermann returned to Iowa State University as an Assistant Professor (1960-1972) in aerospace engineering and was promoted to Associate Professor (1972-1993). At Iowa State, Hermann taught courses in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aircraft stability and control, and computer applications. He served for many years as the faculty advisor to the student section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and received several awards for advising. Hermann was also the editor of the departmental newsletter, The Rag, for over 40 years.

Hermann was an avid pilot and along with several other members of the Ames community established a local flying club, Ames Airmen, Inc. Professionally, he was involved in the local section of AIAA and participated in national AIAA conferences.

Hermann married Frances Juskiewicz in September of 1951, and they had three daughters. He died May 29, 2015, in Ames, Iowa.