Integration Engineer – Fluid & Propulsion Systems

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: We are seeking an **Integration Engineer** to own the design release, build, test, and delivery of key vehicle fluid, propulsion, and mechanism assemblies — including control surface actuators, spike inlet systems, engine integration, and other mission-critical hardware. You will serve as the technical bridge between design, manufacturing, and test, ensuring our hardware is built with precision, efficiency, and reliability. This role requires a hands-on engineer with a strong background in mechanical systems, propulsion, and fluids — capable of driving complex assemblies from concept through validation in a fast-paced, first-principles environment. ### Responsibilities - Provide design feedback to improve manufacturability, assembly, testability, and integration for complex fluid and propulsion systems. - Establish and maintain build roadmaps for assigned assemblies to align key stakeholders, drive hardware and tooling deliveries, and minimize build serialization. - Develop and release build CONOPS, work instructions, standard processes, and procedures to enable high-quality, high-velocity execution. - Lead and support first-article builds in an early-stage, rapid-development environment, identifying and resolving issues in real time. - Own design, process, and capital equipment trades to unlock key production capabilities and support scalable manufacturing infrastructure. - Drive make-vs-buy decisions and collaborate closely with design engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. - Provide hands-on support during build, integration, and test operations, ensuring technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively. - Support test readiness activities, including component and system pressurization, leak checks, actuator functional tests, and propulsion integration. - Drive continuous improvement across the production floor — including tooling, ERP/MES workflows, build documentation, and internal specifications. - Champion a safety-first mindset, especially during hazardous or high-pressure operations. ### Requirements: - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field. - 3+ years of hands-on experience in hardware integration, assembly, or manufacturing of fluid, propulsion, or mechanical systems. - Familiarity with aerospace assembly best practices, including precision fitting, torque control, and contamination prevention. - Exposure to tolerance stack-up analysis, system P&ID development, actuator testing, leak checks, and valve assembly or test. - Strong understanding of GD&T, CAD modeling, and first-principles design and analysis. - Proven ability to communicate effectively across design, manufacturing, supply chain, and test organizations. - Demonstrated initiative and ownership, with the ability to define and implement new processes from scratch. ### Preferred Skills and Experience - Experience supporting new product introduction or flight hardware integration in an aerospace or defense environment. - Direct experience authoring and executing build work instructions and leading complex first-time build efforts. - Familiarity with pressurized systems, hazardous operations, or test campaigns involving cryogenic, pneumatic, or propellant systems. - Experience with welded tube, valve, or manifold assemblies (TIG, MIG, or laser welding). - Exposure to R&D or low-rate production environments, including vendor engagement, tooling development, and hands-on troubleshooting. - Strong systems-level understanding of propulsion and fluid control architectures. ### Additional Requirements - Must be willing to be hands-on in a manufacturing and test environment daily. - Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work safely around high-pressure systems and industrial equipment. - Extended or flexible hours may be required to support critical build and test milestones.