Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer

Hermeus is an aerospace and defense technology company founded to radically accelerate air travel by delivering hypersonic aircraft. The company aims to develop hypersonic aircraft quickly and cost-effectively by integrating hardware-rich, iterative development with modern computing and autonomy. This approach has been validated through design, build, and test of the company’s first combined turbojet-ramjet engine and is now being scaled through its first flight vehicle program, Quarter Horse.

Hermeus is also developing Darkhorse — an uncrewed hypersonic aircraft designed to deliver unique asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter.

The Engines team is responsible for the engine development efforts that will propel all of Hermeus’ hypersonic vehicles. The primary focus now is on the development of Chimera, which will provide the necessary thrust for Quarter Horse to take flight in the near future.

Through multi-disciplinary efforts to develop air-breathing engines that facilitate ground take-off and flight at supersonic and hypersonic speeds, we are addressing challenges that very few engineers have the opportunity to solve and doing so at a strategic and rapid pace. It is an exciting time to join the team as we dive into the design of the first flight engines. Work and learn with motivated and passionate individuals.

Let’s make some fire!

Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day manufacturing and production of our Chimera engine and its subassemblies, including but not limited to:
  Machining, TIG/MIG welding, pressure testing, precision cleaning, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing, heat treatment, and assembly.

• Draft, release, and manage Work Orders related to propulsion component fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Use CAD tools (e.g., NX, Solid Works) to design propulsion layouts, fluid routing, and hardware interfaces.
• Create and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) for propulsion assemblies, ground support equipment, and flight articles.
• Assist with proof pressure testing of tanks, lines, and propulsion subsystems in accordance with aerospace standards.
• Support tube bending, fitting, and assembly for complex high-pressure fluid systems used in hypersonic propulsion.
• Execute fluid system cleaning, drying, and verification protocols to ensure compliance with high-performance cleanliness standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in thermal analysis, structural design, avionics, and flight test operations.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field (graduated within the last 12 months or graduating soon).
• Familiarity with propulsion systems, fluid systems, and manufacturing processes through coursework or projects.
• Proficient in CAD and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Comfortable working hands-on with hardware, including standing, bending, and working on the shop floor.
• Strong communication skills and ability to read and review technical documents.
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends as needed.
• Exposure to machining, welding, precision cleaning, or inspection techniques is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Python or another coding language.
• Ability to use first principles and engineering fundamentals to support trade studies and make sound design decisions.
• Interest or experience in design for manufacturability, product development, or quality systems (e.g., FMEAs, root cause analysis, QMS).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a startup development environment
• Experience working in a flight development program
• Experience working with Inconel and Titanium
• Experience working with 3D printed parts, castings, or forgings
• Experience transitioning parts from first article to production

$91,800 - $140,250 a year Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer I: $91,800 - $112,200 Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer II: $114,750 - $140,250
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…