Propulsion Component Engineer

Position: Propulsion Component Responsible Engineer - Contract
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.

As a Propulsion Component Responsible Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical mechanical and fluid system components, including valves, actuators, and integrated propulsion hardware. You will be responsible for taking hardware from clean-sheet design through build, test, qualification, and production, working in close collaboration with propulsion and vehicle teams. Your work will directly support systems operating in high-pressure, high-temperature, and dynamic flight environments.

Responsibilities:

* Own propulsion components (e.g., valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight-ready delivery

* Design for extreme environments, including high pressure, temperature, and transient operating conditions

* Drive engineering trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability

* Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion components

* Support hardware through rapid build-test-iterate cycles

* Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and test

* Work with propulsion and vehicle system owners to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies

* Perform system-level sizing, architecture, and design trades

* Lead development testing, qualification, and acceptance of flight hardware

* Support transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready designs

* Define operational limits and ensure reliability and safety across all phases of use

* Make risk-informed engineering decisions aligned with program goals and timelines

* Prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment

Requirements

* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

* 5+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion-related hardware

* Experience contributing to hardware through design, build, and test cycles

* Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials

* Hands-on experience with mechanical design, assembly, or integration

Preferred

Skills and Qualifications

* Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms

* Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, or fluid control hardware

* Familiarity with high-temperature materials, sealing strategies, and failure modes

* Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies

* Experience supporting hardware testing and resolving real-world failures

* Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)

* Experience working in rapid hardware development environments (startup or flight programs)

* Scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for analysis or automation

Additional Requirements:

* Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments

* Ability to support extended hours during critical test campaigns

* Willingness to travel to support hardware builds and flight tests

* Must be eligible to access export-controlled information

$91,800 - $187,450 a year

Engineer I $91,800 - $112,200

Engineer II $114,750 - $140,250

Engineer III $138,550 - $187,450

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.

Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!

100% employer-paid health care

401k & Retirement Plans

Unlimited PTO

Weekly…