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
$138,550 - $187,450 a year
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 STATUSThe 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 by22 C.F.R. 120.62or 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.
