Propulsion Development Engineer

Clutch Canada

Los Angeles (CA)

On-site

USD 91,800 - 187,450

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

Clutch Canada is looking for a Development Engineer in Los Angeles to advance engine hardware through rapid test-driven iteration. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, hands-on hardware experience, and proficiency in Python. Responsibilities include defining test plans, supporting test operations, and analyzing data. The salary ranges from $91,800 to $187,450 annually, along with benefits like unlimited PTO, 100% employer-paid healthcare, and potential bonuses.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
Hands-on experience with hardware build, integration, or test operations.
Experience developing or executing engineering test plans and procedures.
Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation.
Strong understanding of sensors, instrumentation, and diagnostic techniques.

Responsibilities

Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and analysis.
Define, author, and refine engine test plans and procedures.
Support live test operations and diagnose engine issues.
Develop Python-based tools for data processing and automated analysis.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve system-level challenges.

Skills

Hardware build experience

Data analysis proficiency

Python programming

Test planning and execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

Data acquisition systems

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 Development Engineer on the Propulsion team, you will be responsible for advancing engine hardware through rapid, test-driven iteration. You will operate at the intersection of hardware execution and data analysis, owning engine test campaigns and translating results into actionable engineering improvements.

This role requires strong hands‑on capability, analytical rigor, and the ability to move quickly between test operations, data interpretation, and hardware problem‑solving. You will play a critical role in increasing engine development velocity and reliability.

Responsibilities

Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and post-test analysis
Define, author, and refine engine test plans, procedures, and setpoints aligned with program objectives
Support and make decisions during live test operations, including hot-fire and subsystem testing
Identify, diagnose, and resolve test‑related engine issues across hardware, instrumentation, and procedures
Standardize and improve test data review, reduction, and reporting processes
Develop Python‑based tools for data processing, visualization, and automated analysis
Translate test data into clear engineering insights, including performance characterization and root cause analysis
Drive post-test reviews and ensure actionable outcomes are captured and executed
Participate in hands‑on engine build, integration, and test setup activities
Author and maintain development engine work instructions, test procedures, and technical documentation
Generate, track, and resolve engineering issues through ticketing systems
Collaborate cross‑functionally with design, manufacturing, avionics, and test teams to resolve system‑level challenges
Ensure proper sensor selection, instrumentation setup, and data integrity during test campaigns
Contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure, tooling, and development processes

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
Hands‑on experience with hardware build, integration, or test operations
Experience developing or executing engineering test plans and procedures
Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation
Strong understanding of sensors, instrumentation, and diagnostic techniques

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with liquid rocket engines or air‑breathing propulsion systems
Familiarity with high‑speed data acquisition and telemetry systems
Background in thermofluids, combustion, or turbomachinery
Experience operating in fast‑paced, iterative hardware development environments
Demonstrated ownership of hardware or test systems through multiple development cycles

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.

Compensation and Benefits

91800 - 187450 USD a year

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.

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!