Propulsion Component Engineering Intern - Spring 2027

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 Propulsion Component Engineering Intern, you will support the development of flight-critical mechanical and fluid system components, including valves, actuators, and integrated propulsion hardware. You will contribute to hardware development from clean-sheet design through build, test, qualification, and production, working closely with propulsion and vehicle teams. Your work will directly support systems operating in high-pressure, high-temperature, and dynamic flight environments. Spring: Around 16 weeks (January - April) ### Responsibilities: - Support the development of propulsion components (e.g., valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight-ready delivery - Contribute to designs for extreme environments, including high pressure, temperature, and transient operating conditions - Support engineering trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability - Assist with clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion components - Support hardware through rapid build–test–iterate cycles - Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and test - Work with propulsion and vehicle system owners to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies - Assist with system-level sizing, architecture, and design trades - Support development testing, qualification, and acceptance of flight hardware - Contribute to the transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready designs - Assist in defining operational limits and evaluating reliability and safety across all phases of use - Apply engineering judgment and first principles to support risk-informed design decisions - Prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environmen ### Requirements: - Practical experience designing, building, and testing hardware or vehicles through internships, coursework, research, or hands-on projects - Must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program) - Strong interest in propulsion systems, mechanical systems, and hardware development - Strong understanding of engineering first principles, including fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials - Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams - Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - GPA of 3.0 or above ### Preferred Skills and Qualifications: - Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms through internships, coursework, research, or projects - Experience designing or building components such as valves, actuators, or fluid control hardware - Familiarity with high-temperature materials, sealing strategies, and common mechanical failure modes - Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies - Hands-on experience supporting hardware testing, assembly, integration, or troubleshooting - Experience with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar) - Experience participating in rapid hardware development environments, including engineering competition teams, research programs, or internships - 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