Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

Hermeus; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Stock options

401(k) retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer to own the development of flight-critical propulsion components, including valves, actuators, and high-performance systems operating in extreme environments. This is a player-coach role: you will design hardware and lead a small engineering team from concept through test and flight.

You will drive rapid build-test-iterate cycles, work cross-functionally with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams, and ensure production-ready hardware.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion components 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.

Skills

Propulsion hardware

Mechanical design

Hands-on integration

Fluids & thermodynamics

Rapid build-test-iterate

GD&T knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

ANSYS

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:

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

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, and any other legally protected status.