Propulsion Development Engineer

<div>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.</div><div><br></div><h3><strong>As a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team, you will be responsible for advancing engine hardware through rapid, test-driven iteration. You will operate at the intersection of hardware execution and data analysis, owning engine test campaigns and translating results into actionable engineering improvements.</strong><br aria-hidden="true"><strong>This role requires strong hands-on capability, analytical rigor, and the ability to move quickly between test operations, data interpretation, and hardware problem-solving. You will play a critical role in increasing engine development velocity and reliability.</strong></h3><h3>Responsibilities</h3> <li>Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and post-test analysis</li> <li>Define, author, and refine engine test plans, procedures, and setpoints aligned with program objectives</li> <li>Support and make decisions during live test operations, including hot-fire and subsystem testing</li> <li>Identify, diagnose, and resolve test-related engine issues across hardware, instrumentation, and procedures</li> <li>Standardize and improve test data review, reduction, and reporting processes</li> <li>Develop Python-based tools for data processing, visualization, and automated analysis</li> <li>Translate test data into clear engineering insights, including performance characterization and root cause analysis</li> <li>Drive post-test reviews and ensure actionable outcomes are captured and executed</li> <li>Participate in hands-on engine build, integration, and test setup activities</li> <li>Author and maintain development engine work instructions, test procedures, and technical documentation</li> <li>Generate, track, and resolve engineering issues through ticketing systems</li> <li>Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, avionics, and test teams to resolve system-level challenges</li> <li>Ensure proper sensor selection, instrumentation setup, and data integrity during test campaigns</li> <li>Contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure, tooling, and development processes</li> <h3>Requirements </h3><div> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline</li> <li>Hands-on experience with hardware build, integration, or test operations</li> <li>Experience developing or executing engineering test plans and procedures</li> <li>Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation</li> <li>Strong understanding of sensors, instrumentation, and diagnostic techniques</li> </div><h3>Preferred Qualifications </h3><div> <li>Experience with liquid rocket engines or air-breathing propulsion systems</li> <li>Familiarity with high-speed data acquisition and telemetry systems</li> <li>Background in thermofluids, combustion, or turbomachinery</li> <li>Experience operating in fast-paced, iterative hardware development environments</li> <li>Demonstrated ownership of hardware or test systems through multiple development cycles</li> </div>