Build Engineer - Propulsion

Hermeus; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-speed aircraft manufacturer in Los Angeles is seeking engineers to work on the design, manufacture, and testing of hypersonic aircraft. Responsibilities include leading project planning, collaborating on design concepts, and transitioning prototypes to production. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in engineering, hands-on hardware experience, and knowledge of CAD. The position offers a salary between $90,000 - $180,000 annually and involves some travel.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering first principles.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count).
• Proven ability to design, build, break, and iterate quickly.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed project planning and drive hardware delivery on aggressive timelines.
• Collaborate directly with high level design concepts turning them into detailed designs.
• Drive the transition from prototype to production for complex aerospace assemblies.

Skills

Strong engineering first principles

Hands-on experience with physical hardware

Comfort with CAD

Familiarity with manufacturing processes

Education

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

Tools

Siemens Teamcenter

NX

Job description

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.

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. We are hiring entry-level through senior-level.

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.

Basic Qualifications

• 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 available to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to support critical milestones.
• Must be willing to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed (up to 25% travel).

$90,000 - $180,000 a year

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.