Propulsion Test Engineer: Rapid Iteration & Data Insights

Hermeus; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options

401(k) retirement plan

Year-end bonuses

Parental leave

Unlimited PTO

Office lunches

Job summary

Hermeus, a defense aviation innovator, seeks a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team to advance engine hardware through rapid, test-driven iteration. You will own engine test campaigns and translate results into actionable engineering improvements.

This role requires hands-on capability, analytical rigor, and the ability to move quickly between test operations, data interpretation, and hardware problem-solving to increase development velocity and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Hands-on hardware build, integration, or test operations.
• Experience developing engineering test plans and procedures.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation.
• Knowledge of sensors, instrumentation, and diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Own engine test campaigns from planning through post-test analysis.
• Define and refine engine test plans, procedures, and setpoints.
• Support 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.

Skills

Hands-on hardware

Python analysis

Sensor instrumentation

Test planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

Data acquisition

Telemetry

Job description

Hermeus, a defense aviation innovator, seeks a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team to advance engine hardware through rapid, test-driven iteration. You will own engine test campaigns and translate results into actionable engineering improvements.

This role requires hands-on capability, analytical rigor, and the ability to move quickly between test operations, data interpretation, and hardware problem-solving to increase development velocity and reliability.