Responsibilities
- Design and build innovative tooling, fixtures, and integration aids using CAD software to support R&D activities, prototype builds, and test campaigns.
- Collaborate with structures, manufacturing, and test engineers to define tooling requirements for one-off and low-rate development programs.
- Partner with internal and external machine shops to rapidly fabricate prototypes, with a focus on agility, adaptability, and proof-of-concept demonstration.
- Explore and evaluate emerging fabrication methods and advanced materials (e.g., additive manufacturing, composites) to push the boundaries of tooling performance.
- Conduct tooling trials, experiments, and validations to inform design refinements and accelerate technology maturation.
- Continuously identify opportunities to simplify, automate, or improve prototype tooling to enhance speed, accuracy, and repeatability in R&D workflows.
- Provide innovative solutions to complex integration and assembly challenges, often where no precedent exists.
- Develop and maintain clear documentation of CAD models, experimental data, and usage guidelines to support knowledge transfer and future scaling.
- Ensure all tooling meets ergonomic, safety, and operational requirements appropriate for development environments.
- Act as a bridge between engineering and prototype build teams, resolving tooling-related issues quickly to keep R&D milestones on track.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in tooling or structural design, prototype development, or mechanical systems engineering within aerospace, automotive, or a related industry.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication methods including machining, additive manufacturing, composites, and rapid prototyping.
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tooling design and iteration.
- Knowledge of GD&T and ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings to prototype development.
- Familiarity with R&D environments and early-stage design-build-test cycles for high-performance aerospace systems.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to experiment, adapt, and iterate quickly in ambiguous development settings.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, prototype build, and test teams.
- Knowledge of lean prototyping and continuous improvement principles in low-volume, experimental environments.
Top Skills
What We Do
Hermeus is a startup developing hypersonic aircraft to radically accelerate air travel.
At Mach 5, more than twice the speed of the supersonic Concorde, passengers will be able to cross the Atlantic in 90 minutes.
On the path to hypersonic passenger aircraft, Hermeus is partnering with government agencies including the US Air Force and NASA to develop a series of autonomous aircraft that derisk the technology and solve urgent national security challenges. These products provide the data and confidence necessary to certify, produce, operate, and maintain safe and comfortable commercial aircraft.
Hypersonic aircraft have the potential to create trillions of dollars of new global economic growth per year, unlocking significant resources that can be utilized to solve the world’s greatest problems.
Why Work With Us
We prioritize hardware and people. Cutting-edge technology is only made possible by bringing together a world-class team. At Hermeus, you will be challenged – but also empowered. We encourage calculated risks taking and learning from our mistakes. Iteration is the name of the game.
Gallery
