Propulsion Development Engineer

Hermeus•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company focused on building the fastest aircraft in the world through rapid iterative prototyping. The company prioritizes hardware iteration to deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield and works with the Department of War to provide critical capabilities to the U.S. and its allies. As a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team, you will be responsible for advancing engine hardware through rapid, test-driven iteration. This role involves operating at the intersection of hardware execution and data analysis, owning engine test campaigns, and translating results into actionable engineering improvements. The position requires strong hands-on capability, analytical rigor, and the ability to quickly transition between test operations, data interpretation, and hardware problem-solving. You will play a critical role in increasing engine development velocity and reliability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
Hands-on experience with hardware build, integration, or test operations
Experience developing or executing engineering test plans and procedures
Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation
Strong understanding of sensors, instrumentation, and diagnostic techniques
Must be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with liquid rocket engines or air-breathing propulsion systems
Familiarity with high-speed data acquisition and telemetry systems
Background in thermofluids, combustion, or turbomachinery
Experience operating in fast-paced, iterative hardware development environments
Demonstrated ownership of hardware or test systems through multiple development cycles

Responsibilities

Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and post-test analysis
Define, author, and refine engine test plans, procedures, and setpoints aligned with program objectives
Support and make decisions during 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