Propulsion Component Engineering Intern - Spring 2027

<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><div> <h3>About The Role:&nbsp;</h3> </div> <div>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.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Spring: Around 16 weeks (January - April)</div><h3>Responsibilities:</h3> <li>Support the development of propulsion components (e.g., valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight-ready delivery</li> <li>Contribute to designs for extreme environments, including high pressure, temperature, and transient operating conditions</li> <li>Support engineering trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability</li> <li>Assist with clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion components</li> <li>Support hardware through rapid build–test–iterate cycles</li> <li>Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and test</li> <li>Work with propulsion and vehicle system owners to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies</li> <li>Assist with system-level sizing, architecture, and design trades</li> <li>Support development testing, qualification, and acceptance of flight hardware</li> <li>Contribute to the transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready designs</li> <li>Assist in defining operational limits and evaluating reliability and safety across all phases of use</li> <li>Apply engineering judgment and first principles to support risk-informed design decisions</li> <li>Prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environmen</li> <h3>Requirements:</h3> <li>Practical experience designing, building, and testing hardware or vehicles through internships, coursework, research, or hands-on projects</li> <li>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)</li> <li>Strong interest in propulsion systems, mechanical systems, and hardware development</li> <li>Strong understanding of engineering first principles, including fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams</li> <li>Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills</li> <li>GPA of 3.0 or above</li> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div><h3>Preferred Skills and Qualifications:</h3><div> <li>Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms through internships, coursework, research, or projects</li> <li>Experience designing or building components such as valves, actuators, or fluid control hardware</li> <li>Familiarity with high-temperature materials, sealing strategies, and common mechanical failure modes</li> <li>Familiarity with GD&amp;T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies</li> <li>Hands-on experience supporting hardware testing, assembly, integration, or troubleshooting</li> <li>Experience with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)</li> <li>Experience participating in rapid hardware development environments, including engineering competition teams, research programs, or internships</li> <li>Scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for analysis or automation</li> </div><h3>Additional Requirements:</h3><div> <li>Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments</li> <li>Ability to support extended hours during critical test campaigns</li> <li>Willingness to travel to support hardware builds and flight tests</li> <li>Must be eligible to access export-controlled information</li> </div>