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
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