Hermeus Lead Propulsion Component Engineer in Los Angeles, CA | 1268181236

Hours	Full-time
Location	Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, California open_in_new

Job Description

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.

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. 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. Responsibilities

Own propulsion components (e.g., high-pressure valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight qualification
Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading
Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware
Lead development through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns
Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities
Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards
Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware
Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems
Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits
Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware
Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware
Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production
Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems
Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies
Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
Experience with rapid development environments (startup or flight hardware programs)
Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
Experience supporting hardware through test campaigns and resolving real-world failures

Additional Requirements

Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments
Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations
Willingness to travel to test sites as needed
Must be eligible to access export-controlled information

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.

Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!

100% employer-paid health care

401k & Retirement Plans

Unlimited PTO

Weekly Paid Office Lunches

End of Year Bonuses

Fully stocked breakrooms

Stock Options

Paid Parental Leave

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

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