Build Engineer - Propulsion

About the role

This role is central to the execution and delivery of flight hardware for Hermeus. The hire will operate at the critical junction where engineering design transitions into tangible, testable systems. You will be integrated directly with production and design teams, owning the complete lifecycle of hardware from initial concept sketches through successful validation and assembly. Your work ensures that prototypes and production articles meet the rigorous standards required for high-speed flight testing and operations. The focus is on developing robust processes that enable rapid iteration without sacrificing quality or safety. You will own the tooling strategy that allows the team to move at speed while maintaining strict adherence to dimensional and performance requirements.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and develop fixtures, jigs, and support structures essential for stabilizing components during demanding mechanical and environmental trials.
• Implement precise measurement routines to verify geometric accuracy and alignment prior to any vehicle integration, preventing downstream issues.
• Work closely with manufacturing partners to ensure tooling conforms to strict dimensional tolerances and demanding production timelines.
• Create clear, step-by-step procedural documentation that allows any team member to reproduce builds reliably, eliminating dependency on individual expertise.
• Lead the analysis of test data, driving rapid adjustments and corrective actions when issues arise to maintain schedule momentum.
• Prepare detailed status reports for leadership, highlighting risks, key decisions, and defined paths toward resolution.
• Establish and manage validation checkpoints that confirm hardware durability and performance under conditions simulating demanding operational environments.
• Collaborate with quality assurance groups to define and enforce acceptance criteria that balance safety protocols with performance objectives.
• Interpret technical drawings and three-dimensional models to understand complex design intent and translate it into physical verification.
• Apply foundational knowledge of structural analysis methods to assess how components react to applied loads and stresses during testing.
• Utilize advanced bonding and fastening techniques for composite and metal structures to build robust flight hardware.
• Operate and maintain tools and machinery within a high-performance workshop environment to meet aggressive production goals.
• Drive process improvements that reduce build cycle times while upholding the highest standards of quality and repeatability.
• Support the generation of traceability records that link hardware builds to design inputs and test results.
• Act as the primary liaison between the shop floor and engineering teams to resolve technical blockers quickly.

Requirements

• US citizenship is mandatory to comply with the regulatory and compliance requirements of defense aviation programs.
• A valid driver's license is required due to the necessity of frequent travel between work sites across the campus.
• Hands-on experience with metal cutting and forming tools is essential for the fabrication of precision parts.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings and three-dimensional models is required to understand complex design intent.
• A foundational knowledge of structural analysis methods is expected to assess how components react to applied loads and stresses.
• The capability to work independently and follow detailed procedures in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail is required to ensure that all builds meet strict dimensional and quality standards.
• Physical ability to lift, move, and assemble heavy components as part of the fabrication and validation process.
• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.
• Commitment to seeing projects through from initial build phase through successful validation and delivery.

Nice to have

• Experience with advanced bonding and fastening techniques for composite and metal structures is valued.
• Familiarity with the tools used in a high-performance workshop environment is a significant asset.

Practical notes

Please note the following practical details as specified in the source material. The role is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires full-time on-site engagement. Compensation includes a base salary of $170,000 per year, a sign-on bonus of $25,000, and a vehicle allowance of $1,375 per month. Eligibility for a 401k match becomes effective after qualifying years of experience. US citizenship is a mandatory requirement due to regulatory constraints on defense aviation programs. A valid driver's license is required to facilitate frequent travel between work sites across the campus. No visa sponsorship information is provided in the source materials.