Propulsion Component Engineering Intern - Spring 2027

Hermeus • Los Angeles, CA

8d • 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. The company aims to deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield and works with the Department of War to provide high-speed capabilities to the U.S. and its allies. As a Propulsion Component Engineering Intern, you will support the development of flight-critical mechanical and fluid system components, such as valves, actuators, and integrated propulsion hardware. This role involves contributing to hardware development from initial design through build, testing, qualification, and production, collaborating closely with propulsion and vehicle teams. The work directly supports systems operating in high-pressure, high-temperature, and dynamic flight environments. The internship is for the Spring semester, lasting approximately 16 weeks from January to April.

Requirements

• Practical experience designing, building, and testing hardware or vehicles through internships, coursework, research, or hands-on projects.
• Currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program).
• Strong interest in propulsion systems, mechanical systems, and hardware development.
• Strong understanding of engineering first principles, including fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams.
• Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms through internships, coursework, research, or projects.
• Experience designing or building components such as valves, actuators, or fluid control hardware.
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials, sealing strategies, and common mechanical failure modes.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware testing, assembly, integration, or troubleshooting.
• Experience with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar).
• Experience participating in rapid hardware development environments, including engineering competition teams, research programs, or internships.
• Scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for analysis or automation.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of propulsion components (e.g., valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight-ready delivery.
• Contribute to designs for extreme environments, including high pressure, temperature, and transient operating conditions.
• Support engineering trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability.
• Assist with clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion components.
• Support hardware through rapid build–test–iterate cycles.
• Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and test.
• Work with propulsion and vehicle system owners to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies.
• Assist with system-level sizing, architecture, and design trades.
• Support development testing, qualification, and acceptance of flight hardware.
• Contribute to the transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready designs.
• Assist in defining operational limits and evaluating reliability and safety across all phases of use.
• Apply engineering judgment and first principles to support risk-informed design decisions.
• Prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment.

Benefits

• 5 days of sick leave and unpaid time off.
• Weekly paid office lunches.
• Fully stocked breakrooms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern