Propulsion Component Engineering Intern

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.

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 Engineering Intern, you will support the development of flight-critical mechanical and fluid system components, including valves, actuators, and integrated propulsion hardware. You will contribute to hardware development from clean-sheet design through build, test, qualification, and production, working closely with propulsion and vehicle teams. Your work will directly support systems operating in high-pressure, high-temperature, and dynamic flight environments.

Spring:
Around 16 weeks (January - April)

• 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 environmen
• Practical experience designing, building, and testing hardware or vehicles through internships, coursework, research, or hands-on projects
• Must be 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

• 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…