Lead Propulsion Component Engineer
Hermeus· Engineering – Engines and Propulsion
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.

About Hermeus
Building the world's fastest aircraft.
Building the world's fastest aircraft.
aerospacehigh-speed aircrafthypersonic aircrafthigh-Mach aircraft
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