Prototype Tooling Engineer – Rapid Build & Test

Canaan Partners; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An aerospace manufacturing firm is seeking a Tooling Build Engineer to design, develop, and validate innovative tooling for the prototyping of high-speed aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, strong problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience with CAD and manufacturing processes. This role emphasizes creativity and collaboration to support the rapid development of structural assemblies in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering first principles are essential.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware is required.
• Comfort with CAD, test equipment, and hand tools is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced tooling solutions for prototyping.
• Collaborate with teams to define tooling requirements and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain safety standards.

Skills

Engineering principles

Hands-on experience

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field

Tools

CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX)

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:

A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and validation of innovative tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment that enable the prototyping, integration, and testing of advanced structural assemblies. This role emphasizes creativity, rapid iteration, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support early-stage research and development.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, fabrication, and implementation of advanced tooling, fixtures, and integration aids to support R&D, prototype builds, and test campaigns.
• Partner with structures, manufacturing, and test teams to define tooling requirements, integration flow, and process interfaces.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines and external vendors to deliver rapid, high-precision prototype tooling solutions.
• Leverage advanced materials and manufacturing methods, including additive and composite fabrication, to enhance performance and efficiency.
• Perform design validations, mechanical checks, and hands-on trials to qualify tooling for development and production use.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing and implementing tooling upgrades that reduce build time, improve accuracy, and streamline operations.
• Maintain documentation, configuration control, and safety standards across all tooling systems.
• Coordinate schedule, priorities, and vendor relationships to ensure tooling deliverables align with critical R&D and integration milestones.
• Act as a key interface between engineering and build teams to resolve integration challenges and sustain build velocity.

Requirements

• Strong engineering first principles.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count).
• Proven ability to design, build, break, and iterate quickly.
• Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication methods including machining, additive manufacturing, composites, and rapid prototyping.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tooling design and iteration.
• Knowledge of GD&T and ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings to prototype development.
• Familiarity with R&D environments and early-stage design-build-test cycles for high-performance aerospace systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to experiment, adapt, and iterate quickly in ambiguous development settings.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, prototype build, and test teams.
• Knowledge of lean prototyping and continuous improvement principles in low-volume, experimental environments.

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.

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138550 - 220000 USD a year