As a Propulsion Component Responsible Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical mechanical and fluid system components, including valves, actuators, and integrated propulsion hardware. You will be responsible for taking hardware from clean-sheet design through build, test, qualification, and production, working in close collaboration with propulsion and vehicle teams. Your work will directly support systems operating in high-pressure, high-temperature, and dynamic flight environments.
Responsibilities:
- Own propulsion components (e.g., valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight-ready delivery
- Design for extreme environments, including high pressure, temperature, and transient operating conditions
- Drive engineering trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
- Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion components
- Support hardware through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
- Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and test
- Work with propulsion and vehicle system owners to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies
- Perform system-level sizing, architecture, and design trades
- Lead development testing, qualification, and acceptance of flight hardware
- Support transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready designs
- Define operational limits and ensure reliability and safety across all phases of use
- Make risk-informed engineering decisions aligned with program goals and timelines
- Prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion-related hardware
- Experience contributing to hardware through design, build, and test cycles
- Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
- Hands-on experience with mechanical design, assembly, or integration
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
- Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, or fluid control hardware
- Familiarity with high-temperature materials, sealing strategies, and failure modes
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
- Experience supporting hardware testing and resolving real-world failures
- Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
- Experience working in rapid hardware development environments (startup or flight programs)
- 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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion-related hardware
- Experience contributing to hardware through design, build, and test cycles
- Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
- Hands-on experience with mechanical design, assembly, or integration
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Gallery
