Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

@ Hermeus

Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

Posted 1 month ago

This job is still taking applications, but it's been up a while.

About the job

Hermeus is a defense aviation company building the fastest aircraft with rapid prototyping. The role focuses on owning propulsion hardware from concept to flight, leading a small engineering team to deliver hardware quickly.

Requirements

7+ years developing propulsion hardware
Experience owning hardware from concept
Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics
Hands-on mechanical systems experience

Qualifications

Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Experience with propulsion or fluid systems
Ability to work hands-on in build environments
Willing to travel for tests

Full job description

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 Lead Propulsion Component Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical propulsion components—including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems operating in extreme thermal and pressure environments. This is a player–coach role: you will directly design and deliver hardware while leading a small team of engineers. You will own components from clean-sheet design through test, qualification, and flight, and your hardware will move quickly from concept to real-world operation.

Responsibilities

Own propulsion components (e.g., high-pressure valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight qualification
Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading
Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware
Lead development through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns
Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities
Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards
Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware
Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems
Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits
Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware
Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware
Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production
Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems
Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies
Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
Experience with rapid development environments (startup or flight hardware programs)
Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
Experience supporting hardware through test campaigns and resolving real-world failures

Additional Requirements

Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments
Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations
Willingness to travel to test sites as needed
Must be eligible to access export-controlled information

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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