Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

Medium; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 138,550 - 187,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

100% employer-paid health care

401k & Retirement Plans

Weekly Paid Office Lunches

End of Year Bonuses

Stock Options

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

Medium in Los Angeles is looking for a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer to oversee the development of critical propulsion hardware for advanced aircraft. The role involves direct design work and leading a team through the development process from concept to flight qualification.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in mechanical engineering, specifically in high-pressure fluid systems, and is skilled in managing complex projects in fast-paced environments. Strong project management and technical leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware.
• Experience owning hardware from concept through test or production.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion components from concept through flight qualification.
• Design for extreme environments including high temperature and pressure.
• Execute clean-sheet design and integration of propulsion hardware.

Skills

Fluids

Thermodynamics

Mechanics

Materials

Hands-on experience with design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD tools (NX preferred)

Analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)

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.

As a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical propulsion components—including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems operating in extreme thermal and pressure environments. This is a player–coach role: you will directly design and deliver hardware while leading a small team of engineers. You will own components from clean-sheet design through test, qualification, and flight, and your hardware will move quickly from concept to real-world operation.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion components (e.g., high-pressure valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight qualification
• Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading
• Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
• Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware
• Lead development through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
• Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns
• Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities
• Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards
• Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware
• Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems
• Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits
• Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware
• Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware
• Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
• Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
• Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
• Experience with rapid development environments (startup or flight hardware programs)Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
• Experience supporting hardware through test campaigns and resolving real-world failures

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work hands‑on in build, integration, and test environments
• Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations
• Willingness to travel to test sites as needed
• Must be eligible to access export‑controlled information

$138,550 - $187,450 a year

Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year‑end bonuses, and more!

100% employer‑paid health care

401k & Retirement Plans

Unlimited PTO

Weekly Paid Office Lunches

End of Year Bonuses

Fully stocked breakrooms

Stock Options

Paid Parental Leave

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.