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Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

Hermeus· Engineering – Engines and Propulsion
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Los Angeles, CA$138.6k - $187.5kFull-timePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Lead Propulsion Component Engineer responsible for the development of flight-critical propulsion components and leading a small team through concept to flight, with hands-on design and hardware delivery.

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

Qualifications

  • 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

Skills

Required:Propulsion components design and developmentFluid systems
Nice to have:GD&T and precision assembliesCAD (NX) and analysis tools (ANSYS)

Benefits

  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
  • Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
  • Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
  • Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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About Hermeus

Building the world's fastest aircraft.

Building the world's fastest aircraft.

aerospacehigh-speed aircrafthypersonic aircrafthigh-Mach aircraft

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