Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

Hermeus•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company focused on rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world. They aim to deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield, working with the Department of War to provide critical capabilities. As a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of flight-critical propulsion components, including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems that operate in extreme thermal and pressure environments. This is a player-coach role, requiring you to directly design and deliver hardware while also leading a small team of engineers. Your responsibilities will span the entire lifecycle of components, from initial design through testing, qualification, and flight, ensuring rapid progression from concept to real-world operation.

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
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

Nice To Haves

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

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