Thermal Engineer

Hermeus; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking a Thermal Engineer to analyze, design, and implement thermal solutions for components and systems on our high-mach aircraft. You will model heat transfer, select materials, and collaborate across aerodynamics, propulsion, and structures teams.

Responsibilities include designing thermal management systems, conducting tests, and documenting results while staying current with advances in aerospace materials and heat transfer tech for robust, high-temperature environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or thermal engineering (or related); master's preferred.
• Proficiency in thermal analysis software (e.g., ANSYS, CFD) and Thermal Desktop for simulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed thermal analyses and simulations for high‑mach vehicles.
• Design and develop thermal management systems, shields, insulation, and cooling.
• Select materials for high-temperature environments with thermal resistance.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials teams.
• Plan and execute thermal tests in labs and flight tests; validate models.
• Document results and communicate design decisions to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on advances in thermal engineering and heat transfer.

Skills

Thermal analysis software

CFD

ANSYS

Thermal modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace/thermal engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Thermal Desktop

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 Thermal Engineer at Hermeus, you will be responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing thermal solutions for various components and systems in our high mach vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Thermal Analysis: Conduct detailed thermal analyses and simulations using state-of-the-art tools and software to model heat transfer, thermal loads, and thermal behavior during all phases of mach3+ flight
• Thermal System Design: Design and develop efficient thermal management systems, including heat shields, thermal protection materials, insulation, and active cooling systems to ensure the integrity and reliability of critical vehicle components
• Material Selection: Evaluate and select appropriate materials with high-temperature capabilities and thermal resistance for thermal protection and heat dissipation in hypersonic environments
• Hot metallic structure analysis: Analize and test novel ways to reduce thermal induces stress and deflections
• Integration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials, to seamlessly integrate thermal solutions into the overall vehicle design
• Testing and Validation: Plan, conduct, and analyze thermal tests in laboratory environments and during flight tests to validate thermal models and verify the performance of thermal systems under real-world conditions
• Innovation: Stay up to date with the latest advancements in thermal engineering, aerospace materials, and heat transfer technologies. Continuously seek innovative approaches to enhance thermal efficiency and performance
• Documentation: Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations to communicate thermal analysis results, design decisions, and recommendations to stakeholders and project teams
• Work hand in hand with responsible engineers to develop simple and robust thermal solutions for a high temperature environment

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or thermal engineering (or a related field). A master's is advantageous
• Proficiency in thermal analysis software and computational tools (e.g., ANSYS, CFD) thermal desktop, for thermal simulations and modeling

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Proven experience in thermal engineering, heat transfer analysis, or thermal management systems in aerospace, high-speed vehicles, or related fields
• Solid understanding of aerospace materials, high-temperature alloys, and material behavior under extreme thermal conditions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to work on complex thermal challenges and propose effective solutions
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical information clearly and concisely
• Adaptability and a willingness to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic research and development environment
• Experience participating in a collegiate engineering competition team such as Formula SAE (FSAE), Design/Build/Fly (DBF), Baja SAE, Rocketry, or a comparable hands-on engineering organization is highly preferred

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 by22 C.F.R.

• 120.62or 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.