Structures Manufacturing 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><div>As a <strong>Structures Manufacturing Engineer – Tooling &amp; R&amp;D</strong> at Hermeus, you will enable the rapid development, integration, and test of flight-critical structural assemblies through innovative tooling and hands-on manufacturing execution. This role is deeply embedded in <strong>early-stage design-build-test cycles</strong>, where speed, creativity, and engineering judgment matter as much as formal process.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>You will design and build tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment while partnering closely with structures, test, and manufacturing teams to turn evolving designs into real, testable hardware. This is a highly hands-on role for engineers who like being on the floor, solving problems in real time, and iterating quickly to move flight hardware forward.</div><h3>What You’ll Do</h3> <li>Own the <strong>design, fabrication, and validation of tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment</strong> supporting structural prototype builds, integration, and testing.</li> <li>Rapidly iterate tooling concepts to support changing designs, test objectives, and build sequences.</li> <li>Partner with structures, manufacturing, and test engineers to define <strong>integration flow, tooling interfaces, and build strategies</strong>.</li> <li>Perform mechanical checks, fit-ups, and hands-on trials to qualify tooling for development and flight hardware builds.</li> <li>Maintain configuration control, documentation, and safety standards across evolving tooling systems.</li> <li>Support the <strong>build, integration, and inspection of primary and secondary structural assemblies</strong> for the Quarterhorse vehicle and future platforms.</li> <li>Act as the primary interface between design engineers and technicians during prototype and flight hardware builds.</li> <li>Identify integration challenges early and develop creative tooling or process solutions to maintain build velocity.</li> <li>Provide direct, real-time design feedback based on hands-on build experience.</li> <li>Support structural testing campaigns by enabling efficient, repeatable, and safe hardware setups.</li> <li>Develop and refine <strong>prototype manufacturing processes</strong> with a focus on speed, flexibility, and learning.</li> <li>Drive continuous improvement of tooling and build approaches to reduce iteration time and increase build quality.</li> <li>Resolve non-conformances through hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis in collaboration with Quality.</li> <li>Coordinate internal and external fabrication resources to meet aggressive R&amp;D and test milestones.</li> <h3>About You</h3> <li>Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline.</li> <li>Strong engineering fundamentals and comfort applying first principles in ambiguous environments.</li> <li>Hands-on experience with physical hardware.</li> <li>Proven ability to <strong>design, build, test, break, and iterate</strong> rapidly.</li> <li>Proficiency with CAD and familiarity with <strong>GD&amp;T fundamentals</strong>.</li> <li>Comfort using hand tools, test equipment, and working directly on the shop floor.</li> <li>Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, forming, and assembly.</li> <li>Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary R&amp;D teams.</li> <li>Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends as needed.</li> <h3>Desired Multipliers</h3> <li>Experience in an <strong>R&amp;D or startup development environment</strong>.</li> <li>Direct experience designing or building tooling for <strong>large structural assemblies</strong>.</li> <li>Experience supporting a <strong>flight development or experimental aircraft program</strong>.</li> <li>Familiarity with lean prototyping and rapid iteration in low-volume environments.</li>