Build Engineer - Propulsion

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 This Role: This role sits at the intersection of engineering design, manufacturing, integration and test for flight vehicles. You'll be embedded with design and production teams, owning everything from hardware design, tooling, testing and flight readiness to process development and vehicle assembly. ### Responsibilities - Lead detailed project planning and drive hardware delivery on aggressive timelines. - Collaborate directly with high level design concepts turning them into detailed designs including final geometry, material selection and DFM. - Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies. - Ruthlessly question process complexity—delete parts, eliminate waste, simplify flow. - Design and implement full-stack build processes—factory layout, tooling, test flow, and vehicle integration. - Develop and run test procedures for flight hardware. - Serve as a force multiplier across production, test, and design teams. ### Requirements - Strong engineering first principles. - Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field. - 1+ years of hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count). - Proven ability to design, build, break, and iterate quickly. - Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools. - Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals. ### Preferred Skills and Experience - Designed and released flight hardware. - Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX. - Leadership experience on project teams or in mentorship roles. - You’ve built something that’s flown, broken, or both. - Experience standing up production lines or test infrastructure in a fast-paced environment. - Must be available to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to support critical milestones. - Must be willing to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed (up to 25% travel)