Hermeus is seeking a hands-on Structures/Mechanical Engineering Intern to support the design, build, and test of flight hardware for next-generation aircraft systems. In this role, you will help design and develop mechanical subassemblies across the vehicle, including control surfaces, fuselage structures, avionics trays, and other flight-critical hardware.
This internship is ideal for students who enjoy owning real hardware, working in a fast-paced development environment, and taking designs from concept through fabrication, integration, and test.
Responsibilities
- Support the design and development of flight hardware and mechanical subassemblies for aircraft systems.
- Assist with CAD modeling, drawing creation, hardware release, and design updates.
- Perform basic hand calculations and engineering analysis to support design decisions.
- Help build, integrate, troubleshoot, and test prototype and flight hardware.
- Collaborate with structures, mechanical, manufacturing, avionics, and test teams to support vehicle development.
- Contribute to design reviews, test planning, and documentation of lessons learned.
- Support rapid iteration by identifying design improvements, simplifying hardware, and incorporating feedback from build and test activities.
Requirements:
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program).
- Strong engineering fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and mechanical design.
- Hands-on experience with hardware through internships, research, labs, personal projects, or student teams such as FSAE, rocketry, robotics, or similar.
- Familiarity with CAD tools
- Comfortable working with physical hardware, hand tools, test equipment, and fast-paced build environments.
- Interest in aircraft structures, mechanical systems, flight hardware, and rapid hardware development.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams.
- Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
- Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Designed and released flight hardware.
- Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX.
- 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.
- 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
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field (3rd/4th year undergrad or enrolled in Master's/Ph.D.).
- Strong engineering fundamentals (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, mechanical design).
- Hands-on hardware experience via internships, research, labs, personal projects, or student teams (FSAE, rocketry, robotics, etc.).
- Familiarity with CAD tools.
- Comfortable working with physical hardware, hand tools, and test equipment in fast-paced build environments.
- Interest in aircraft structures, mechanical systems, flight hardware, and rapid hardware development.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams.
- Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
- Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).
- Designed and released flight hardware.
- Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter.
- Familiarity with Siemens NX.
- Built something that has flown, broken, or both.
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
.png)
