Lead design, development, testing, and qualification of flight-critical propulsion components (valves, actuators, fluid control). Drive trade studies, perform system sizing and integration, troubleshoot failures, and transition prototypes to production while ensuring reliability and safety in extreme flight environments.
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 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
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.
- 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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Hermeus Los Angeles, California, USA Office
Los Angeles, CA, United States
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