Sheet Metal Shop Technician

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 Shop Technician** to support precision fabrication of complex, tight-tolerance flight hardware. In this role, you will set up, operate, and maintain advanced sheet metal cutting and forming equipment to produce components that meet rigorous aerospace-quality standards. This is a hands-on, high-impact position where craftsmanship, attention to detail, and process discipline are essential. As a senior member of the fabrication team, you’ll take ownership of your equipment, mentor junior operators, and collaborate closely with manufacturing and engineering to continuously improve fabrication methods and product quality. ### Responsibilities - Set up, operate, and maintain sheet metal fabrication equipment including laser cutters, press brakes, rollers, English wheels, shrinker-stretchers, and related forming tools. - Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and flat patterns to ensure all fabricated components meet dimensional and quality requirements. - Perform precision measurement and inspection using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, and radius gauges to verify conformance. - Work closely with manufacturing and design engineers to develop and refine fabrication processes for complex, tight-tolerance flight hardware. - Execute basic assembly operations, including drilling, riveting, and fastening of metallic structures. - Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on shop equipment to ensure peak performance and minimize downtime. - Support and train operators on safe and efficient machine setup, operation, and best practices. - Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant workspace, supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the shop. - Contribute feedback to improve work instructions, process documentation, and tooling designs. ### Requirements: - High school diploma or equivalency certificate required; technical training or trade certification in sheet metal fabrication preferred. - 3+ years of experience operating and maintaining machinery in a precision manufacturing or aerospace fabrication environment. - Demonstrated ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions. - Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills with attention to precision and quality. - Proficient in the safe operation of sheet metal forming, cutting, and finishing equipment. - Ability to work independently and take ownership of work from setup through inspection. - Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to collaborate effectively with engineers, machinists, and other technicians. - Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in varied physical positions (bending, kneeling, crawling). - Willingness to work overtime or weekends as needed to meet production goals. ### Preferred Skills and Experience - Experience fabricating flight hardware or aerospace-grade sheet metal components in a high-mix, low-volume production environment. - Proficiency in CAD/CAM or flat pattern software (Teamcenter, NX, TruTops Boost, IGEMS, or equivalent). - Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and execution to work instructions or travelers. - Working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and precision measurement techniques. - Experience developing or improving in-house fabrication processes for new or complex hardware. - Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices. ### Additional Requirements - Must be willing to be hands-on in a production environment daily. - Ability to follow detailed technical processes and maintain consistent output under tight deadlines. - Must be comfortable working in an environment with moderate noise and frequent tool use.