Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
About The Role
As a Propulsion Component Responsible Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical mechanical and fluid system components, including valves, actuators, and integrated propulsion hardware. You will be responsible for taking hardware from clean-sheet design through build, test, qualification, and production, working in close collaboration with propulsion and vehicle teams. Your work will directly support systems operating in high-pressure, high-temperature, and dynamic flight environments.
Responsibilities
Own propulsion components (e.g., valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight-ready delivery
Design for extreme environments, including high pressure, temperature, and transient operating conditions
Drive engineering trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion components
Support hardware through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
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Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and test
Work with propulsion and vehicle system owners to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies
Perform system-level sizing, architecture, and design trades
Lead development testing, qualification, and acceptance of flight hardware
Support transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready designs
Define operational limits and ensure reliability and safety across all phases of use
Make risk-informed engineering decisions aligned with program goals and timelines
- Prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment
- Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion-related hardware
Experience contributing to hardware through design, build, and test cycles
Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
- Hands-on experience with mechanical design, assembly, or integration
- Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, or fluid control hardware
Familiarity with high-temperature materials, sealing strategies, and failure modes
Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
Experience supporting hardware testing and resolving real-world failures
Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
Experience working in rapid hardware development environments (startup or flight programs)
- Scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for analysis or automation
- Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments
Ability to support extended hours during critical test campaigns
Willingness to travel to support hardware builds and flight tests
Must be eligible to access export-controlled information
