Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

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: 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 qualification - Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading - Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability - Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware - Lead development through rapid build–test–iterate cycles - Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns - Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities - Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards - Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware - Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems - Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits - Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware - Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery ### Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field - 7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware - Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production - Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials - Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems ### Preferred Skills and Qualifications - Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms - Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems - Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies - Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies - Experience 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 environments - Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations - Willingness to travel to test sites as needed - Must be eligible to access export-controlled information