Senior 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, Quarterhorse. 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 Quarterhorse 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!

The Opportunity And How You’ll Impact Hermeus

• You will support day-to-day manufacturing and production of our Chimera engine and subassemblies which includes but is not limited to: manufacturing processes such as machining, TIG/MIG welding, pressure testing, precision cleaning, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing, heat treatment, and assembly
• You will analyze and disposition recurring manufacturing discrepancies and lead multi-disciplinary teams on root cause analysis for corrective actions and mitigations
• You will lead improvement projects to ensure that safety, reliability, and process capability goals are achieved, maintained, and improved
• You will be a vital part of the relationship between our engineering and technician team
• You will provide input into the design and development of new and existing hardware and take a lead role in the manufacturing and integration of our current and next-generation vehicles
• You will provide subject matter expertise on multiple manufacturing processes and products
• You will communicate on a daily basis with supporting departments such as production, machining, quality, and design engineering to ensure that the product is delivered on time
• You will apply process improvement methodologies and tools (e.g. value stream mapping, problem-solving, visual management, etc.) to reduce manufacturing build hours and quality issues; increase production rates; and remove waste from complex processes
• You will manage projects and execute to tight timelines while effectively communicating to and influencing stakeholders
• You will train technicians, engineers, and leaders on best-in-class operations practices by leading process improvement workshops; providing training and information briefs on key topics; and personally, demonstrating by implementing solutions in the area
• You will work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and test requirements, then implement in a rapidly evolving production environment
• You will ideate and implement tooling and test solutions, enabling high-quality built hardware

About You

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering or a technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in aviation or aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to read and provide feedback on technical documents
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Will sometimes be working directly with the hardware on the floor and will have to be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
• Ability to make appropriate assumptions and perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to create rationale for clear recommendations
• Experience with high volume manufacturing, or design for manufacture and product development life cycle, or quality tools including root cause and corrective action, PFMEAs, QMS and process auditing and statistical analysis of quality metrics
• Experience with metallic manufacturing techniques and equipment for processes such as CNC fabrication, welding (orbital tube and TIG), precision cleaning, forming, inspection, etc.
• Demonstrated experience with CAD and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Working knowledge of Python or another coding language
• Experience in control and monitoring of complex automated systems and risk assessment/reduction of the system

Desired Multipliers

• 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

$150,000 – $175,000 a year

We encourage you to apply even if you have skillsets and experience outside of our current needs as we’re always open to connect and discuss future opportunities.