Responsibilities
- Own the design, fabrication, and implementation of advanced tooling, fixtures, and integration aids to support R&D, prototype builds, and test campaigns.
- Partner with structures, manufacturing, and test teams to define tooling requirements, integration flow, and process interfaces.
- Collaborate across engineering disciplines and external vendors to deliver rapid, high-precision prototype tooling solutions.
- Leverage advanced materials and manufacturing methods, including additive and composite fabrication, to enhance performance and efficiency.
- Perform design validations, mechanical checks, and hands-on trials to qualify tooling for development and production use.
- Drive continuous improvement by developing and implementing tooling upgrades that reduce build time, improve accuracy, and streamline operations.
- Maintain documentation, configuration control, and safety standards across all tooling systems.
- Coordinate schedule, priorities, and vendor relationships to ensure tooling deliverables align with critical R&D and integration milestones.
- Act as a key interface between engineering and build teams to resolve integration challenges and sustain build velocity.
Requirements
- Strong engineering first principles.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field.
- Hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count).
- Proven ability to design, build, break, and iterate quickly.
- Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals.
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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