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.
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 qualificationDesign for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loadingDrive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testabilityExecute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardwareLead development through rapid build–test–iterate cyclesSupport and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaignsLead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution prioritiesReview designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standardsAct as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardwareWork closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systemsDefine system requirements, interfaces, and operational limitsDrive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardwareDevelop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable deliveryBasic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardwareDemonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or productionStrong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materialsHands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systemsPreferred Skills and Qualifications
Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanismsExperience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systemsFamiliarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategiesStrong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assembliesExperience 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 environmentsAbility to support extended hours during critical test and flight operationsWillingness to travel to test sites as neededMust be eligible to access export-controlled information