Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

<div><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">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.</span></div><div><br></div><h3><strong>As a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical propulsion components—including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems operating in extreme thermal and pressure environments.&nbsp;This is a player–coach role: you will directly design and deliver hardware while leading a small team of engineers. You will own components from clean-sheet design through test, qualification, and flight, and your hardware will move quickly from concept to real-world operation.&nbsp;</strong></h3> <h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Responsibilities</h3> <li>Own propulsion components (e.g., high-pressure valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight qualification</li> <li>Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading</li> <li>Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability</li> <li>Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware</li> <li>Lead development through rapid build–test–iterate cycles</li> <li>Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns</li> <li>Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities</li> <li>Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards</li> <li>Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware</li> <li>Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems</li> <li>Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits</li> <li>Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware</li> <li>Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery</li> <h3>Requirements </h3> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field</li> <li>7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware</li> <li>Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production</li> <li>Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials</li> <li>Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems</li> <h3>Preferred Skills and Qualifications </h3> <li>Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms</li> <li>Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems</li> <li>Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies</li> <li>Strong knowledge of GD&amp;T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies</li> <li>Experience with rapid development environments (startup or flight hardware programs)</li> <li>Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)</li> <li>Experience supporting hardware through test campaigns and resolving real-world failures&nbsp;</li> <h3>Additional Requirements </h3> <li>Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments</li> <li>Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations</li> <li>Willingness to travel to test sites as needed</li> <li>Must be eligible to access export-controlled information</li> <div>&nbsp;</div>