Build Engineer

All Aviation Jobs; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Stock options

401(k) retirement plan

Year-end bonuses

Paid parental leave

Unlimited PTO

Office lunches

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking a Build Engineer to join our flight hardware division, embedded with design and production teams, owning hardware design, tooling, testing and flight readiness.

This role focuses on transitioning prototypes to production, driving build processes, and working across manufacturing, test and design to reduce waste and complexity. Travel up to 25% to test sites and partner locations is required.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering first principles are required.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware through internships, labs, or project teams.
• Proven ability to design, build, iterate quickly.
• Familiarity with CAD, test equipment, and hand tools.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and GD&T fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed project planning and drive hardware delivery on aggressive timelines.
• Collaborate directly with high level design concepts turning them into detailed designs including final geometry, material selection and DFM.
• Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies.
• Ruthlessly question process complexity—delete parts, eliminate waste, simplify flow.
• Design and implement full-stack build processes—factory layout, tooling, test flow, and vehicle integration.
• Develop and run test procedures for flight hardware.
• Serve as a force multiplier across production, test, and design teams.

Skills

Strong engineering first principles

Hands-on hardware experience

CAD proficiency

Fabrication and measurement tools

GD&T fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field

Tools

Siemens Teamcenter

NX

CAD software

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed project planning and drive hardware delivery on aggressive timelines.
• Collaborate directly with high level design concepts turning them into detailed designs including final geometry, material selection and DFM.
• Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies.
• Ruthlessly question process complexity—delete parts, eliminate waste, simplify flow.
• Design and implement full-stack build processes—factory layout, tooling, test flow, and vehicle integration.
• Develop and run test procedures for flight hardware.
• Serve as a force multiplier across production, test, and design teams.

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

• 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.
• Experience standing up production lines or test infrastructure in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed (up to 25% travel)

$91,800 - $140,250 a year

Build Engineer I $91,800 - 112,200

Build Engineer II $114,750 - $140,250

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
• Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
• Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
• 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 by22 C.F.R.

120.62or 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.