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 high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.
Utilizing an integrated, hardware-rich, iterative development approach to aircraft design and build, Hermeus aims to deliver advanced air power at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s. Hermeus’ current Quarterhorse Program is actively unlocking unmanned high-speed flight. One program, four aircraft – each purpose-built to unlock a specific technical challenge, advance learnings, and incrementally de-risk critical technology in the pursuit of hypersonic aircraft.
Today, Hermeus is building its second Quarterhorse vehicle, Mk 2, after having designed, built, and flight tested its predecessor, Mk 1, in 18 months. Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3+, Quarterhorse Mk 2 will be the fastest uncrewed military aircraft in service for national defense. The final iteration of Quarterhorse, Mk 4, will be capable of transitioning from turbofan to ramjet mode utilizing a Hermeus-developed turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) propulsion system to achieve sustained speeds of Mach 5+.
Hermeus' approach of build-fly-build lays the groundwork for unlocking hypersonic flight at a pace and cost previously deemed impossible. America needs fast planes fast – and Hermeus is delivering them.
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.
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