Sheet Metal Manufacturing 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: We are seeking a **Sheet Metal Manufacturing Engineer** to design, build, and lead the processes required to establish and operate our internal sheet metal fabrication shop. You will take full ownership of standing up new production capabilities, from design feedback and process definition to equipment procurement, qualification, and production ramp-up. This role is highly hands-on, combining deep technical expertise with operational leadership to enable rapid, high-quality production of precision components supporting next-generation hypersonic aircraft. ### Responsibilities - Define and implement end-to-end sheet metal manufacturing processes, including forming, cutting, and joining operations for complex aerospace components. - Develop and communicate internal shop capabilities, including authoring work instructions, control plans, and process documentation. - Own the schedule, capacity, and demand planning for the internal sheet metal shop; align build priorities with key stakeholders and proactively manage delivery risk. - Support technicians and specialists on the production floor by troubleshooting issues, resolving non-conformances, and implementing corrective and preventive actions. - Collaborate closely with Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability (DFM) is integrated into early development efforts. - Coordinate with Supply Chain to establish and maintain raw material inventory, traceability, and procurement planning. - Drive continuous improvement initiatives to expand internal shop capabilities, reduce lead times, and maintain exceptional part quality. - Lead CapEx strategy, specification, and installation of new forming, cutting, and welding equipment to scale production capacity. - Serve as a technical owner for all internal sheet metal fabrication operations, mentoring technicians and helping define future-state manufacturing infrastructure. ### Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. - 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, process development, or test engineering for aerospace or high-performance hardware (including internships or project teams). - Familiarity with material properties and behavior for common aerospace sheet metals (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium). - Working knowledge of forming, cutting, and joining processes and their process controls. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions. - Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on development environment with evolving priorities. ### Preferred Skills & Experience - Experience managing or supporting medium-to-high volume manufacturing operations. - Hands-on experience with sheet metal cutting (laser, waterjet), forming (press brake, rollers), or welding (TIG, laser) processes. - Familiarity with PLM, ERP, or MES systems for tracking hardware and managing workflows. - Understanding of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems. - Experience with DFM/DFA, SPC, or Lean manufacturing methodologies. - Exposure to aerospace hardware development or R&D environments requiring rapid iteration and cross-functional collaboration. ### Physical Requirements - Must be willing to be hands-on on the production floor daily. - Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work around industrial equipment as needed. - Occasional extended or weekend hours may be required to meet critical program milestones.