Components Manufacturing Engineer Hardware

Frontdoor Defense; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking a Components Manufacturing Engineer in Los Angeles to own end-to-end manufacturing processes for precision aerospace components—from concept through production.

You will drive design-for-manufacture, develop process capabilities for laser welding and precision machining, and lead first-article builds while collaborating with design, materials, and production teams to scale world-class manufacturing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Materials Science.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in precision component manufacturing.
• Experience with CNC machining, welding, or additive manufacturing of complex metallic components.
• Strong GD&T knowledge and tolerance stack-ups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own end-to-end manufacturing processes for complex mechanical components.
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) by collaborating with design and development engineers from concept through release.
• Define and optimize process parameters for laser welding, precision machining, assembly, and inspection of critical components.
• Lead first-article builds, troubleshoot process non-conformances, and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Own planning, operations, and scheduling for the sheet metal shop, ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality hardware.
• Design and procure production tooling, fixtures, and test equipment to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput.
• Support technicians and specialists on the production floor by troubleshooting issues, resolving non-conformances, and implementing corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including manufacturing plans, work instructions, and control plans.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, supply chain, and test teams to ensure consistent component performance and reliability.
• Develop data-driven approaches for process control, capability analysis, and yield improvement.
• Serve as the technical authority for component manufacturing, mentoring technicians and shaping the facility's future manufacturing capabilities.

Skills

CNC machining

Welding

DFM DFA

CAD/CAM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Components Manufacturing Engineer

Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for precision aerospace components from concept through production

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Compensation: $100,000 - 170,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Hardware

About The Role

Components Manufacturing Engineer

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 our allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

We are seeking a Components Manufacturing Engineer to be the first of its kind at our facility — responsible for establishing, developing, and scaling advanced manufacturing processes for critical hardware. You'll take full ownership of component fabrication from concept through production, driving design-for-manufacture, process development, and continuous improvement across a wide range of precision mechanical systems.

This role requires a highly technical, hands‑on engineer with strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to operate autonomously in a fast‑paced, first-principles environment. You'll work closely with design, materials, and production teams to bridge the gap between prototype and production, helping define what world‑class manufacturing looks like for our next‑generation hardware.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and own end-to-end manufacturing processes for complex mechanical and precision components (e.g., machined, welded, or formed metallic parts and subassemblies).
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) by collaborating directly with design and development engineers from concept through release.
• Define and optimize process parameters for laser welding, precision machining, assembly, and inspection of critical components.
• Lead first‑article builds, troubleshoot process non‑conformances, and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Own planning, operations, and scheduling for the sheet metal shop, ensuring on‑time delivery of high‑quality hardware.
• Design and procure production tooling, fixtures, and test equipment to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput.
• Support technicians and specialists on the production floor by troubleshooting issues, resolving non‑conformances, and implementing corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including manufacturing plans, work instructions, and control plans.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with quality, supply chain, and test teams to ensure consistent component performance and reliability.
• Develop data‑driven approaches for process control, capability analysis, and yield improvement.
• Serve as the technical authority for component manufacturing, mentoring technicians and shaping the facility's future manufacturing capabilities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in precision component manufacturing (aerospace, defense, or high‑performance hardware industries preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with CNC machining, welding (TIG/laser/e‑beam), or additive manufacturing of complex metallic components.
• Proven ability to develop, validate, and scale new manufacturing processes from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack‑ups, and material behavior under manufacturing processes.
• Hands‑on experience in a lab or production environment, with a focus on process development, fixture design, or failure analysis.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with advanced welding methods (laser, e‑beam, resistance, or friction stir).
• Knowledge of aerospace‑grade materials such as aluminum, titanium, Inconel, and stainless steel.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles, SPC, and Lean manufacturing practices.
• Experience transitioning R&D hardware into low‑rate or full‑rate production environments.
• Strong CAD/CAM proficiency (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360).
• Comfortable working in a startup or rapid‑development environment requiring broad ownership and adaptability.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent walking through office, manufacturing, and test facility environments.
• Extended or flexible hours may be required to meet critical program milestones.

$100,000 - $170,000 a year

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 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.