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
The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level.
- Time Off: Interns are eligible for 5 days of sick leave and unpaid time off.
- Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms.
Skills Required
- Practical experience designing, building, and testing hardware or vehicles through internships, coursework, research, or hands-on projects
- Currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university as a third- or fourth-year undergraduate, 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
- Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
- Experience designing or building 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, preferably NX, and analysis tools such as ANSYS
- Experience in rapid hardware development environments, including engineering competition teams, research programs, or internships
- Scripting experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for analysis or automation
- 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
Hermeus Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Hermeus and has not been reviewed or approved by Hermeus.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is described as employer-paid for employees and dependents, including dental and vision. Feedback suggests this substantially reduces healthcare burden and strengthens overall total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — The package includes unlimited PTO for exempt employees, generous accrued PTO for non‑exempt staff, and observed federal holidays. Feedback suggests this breadth aims to support work‑life balance.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Stock options are guaranteed with all full‑time offers, with potential for additional grants based on performance. Feedback suggests this provides ownership upside alongside base pay and bonuses.
Hermeus Insights
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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