Structures Engineering Intern - Fall 2026

Reposted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Los Angeles, CA, USA
In-Office
Internship
Aerospace • Hardware • Manufacturing
Hermeus is a aircraft manufacturer focused on rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft.
The Role
Support design, build, and test of Mk 2.3 structural flight hardware. Assist CAD modeling, manufacturability, tooling, assembly, and validation testing while collaborating with design, manufacturing, and test teams to meet program milestones.
Summary Generated by Built In
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: 
This role sits at the intersection of engineering design, manufacturing, integration and test for flight vehicles. You'll be embedded with design and production teams, owning everything from hardware design, tooling, testing and flight readiness to process development and vehicle assembly.
 
Fall: Around 16 weeks (August - December)

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the design, build, and test of flight and test hardware supporting the Mk 2.3 airframe
  • Support detailed project planning and execution to help drive hardware delivery on aggressive development timelines
  • Assist in translating high-level structural design concepts into detailed CAD models, including geometry refinement, material selection, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) considerations
  • Contribute to the transition of structural components and assemblies from prototype builds to repeatable production
  • Identify opportunities to simplify designs, reduce part count, and improve manufacturability and assembly flow
  • Support development of build processes, tooling concepts, and integration plans for structural hardware
  • Assist in developing and executing test plans and procedures for structural and flight hardware validation
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support vehicle integration and program milestones

Requirements:

  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing vehicles through internships, studies or 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 vehicle hardware.
  • Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
  • Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools. 
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams.
  • Must be willing to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed
  • Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • GPA of 3.0 or above.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Designed and released flight hardware. 
  • Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX. 
  • Leadership experience on project teams or in mentorship roles. 
  • You’ve built something that’s flown, broken, or both. 

The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level.

Benefits:
  • 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.
 
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
 

Skills Required

  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing vehicles through internships, studies or projects.
  • Currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university (3rd/4th year undergrad, or Master's/Ph.D.).
  • Strong interest in vehicle hardware.
  • Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
  • Comfort with CAD, test equipment, and hand tools.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals.
  • 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.
  • Willingness to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed.
  • Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or eligible for deemed export licensing.
  • Designed and released flight hardware.
  • Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX.
  • Leadership experience on project teams or in mentorship roles.
  • Experience building hardware that has flown or been tested (success or failure).

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

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The Company
HQ: Atlanta, GA
270 Employees
Year Founded: 2018

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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