Senior Welding Engineer

About the role

Hermeus invites applications for a Senior Welding Engineer to define and execute the weld strategy for next-generation high-speed vehicles. This role is central to translating demanding flight conditions into robust welded assemblies. You will establish the technical foundation that allows Hermeus to iterate rapidly while maintaining the durability required for defense applications. The position works at the intersection of design, production, and testing, ensuring every joint supports demanding performance goals. You are responsible for developing the foundational weld strategy that guides the engineering of high-speed vehicles from initial concept to flight. This role requires you to own the technical decisions that transform demanding flight conditions into reliable and repeatable welded structures. You will act as the primary authority on joining methodologies, ensuring that every assembly can withstand the rigors of high-speed operation. Your work directly enables the rapid iteration that defines Hermeus by balancing innovation with the durability necessary for defense applications.

Scope and Responsibility

You will own the weld strategy from initial concept through full rate production, ensuring alignment with vehicle performance targets. This includes developing detailed welding procedures for critical airframe components, focusing on methods such as gas tungsten arc welding to meet strict specifications. You will map material intake sequences, verifying alloy specifications and handling characteristics before any fusion process begins to prevent defects. Expect to build comprehensive process documentation that standardizes laser beam welding, resistance welding, gas metal arc welding, plasma arc welding, and other techniques for the shop floor. A core part of the role is reviewing test results and adjusting welding parameters so that plasma arc joints consistently pass nondestructive evaluation without failure. You will ship qualification data to production teams, enabling rapid scale without compromising joint integrity or structural reliability. Coordination with internal and external partners will ensure welding standards align across subcontracted assemblies and supply chain inputs. You will guide first article inspections, confirming that each welded component meets strict structural and durability requirements before full production. The role also involves supporting continuous improvement by tracking field performance and feeding lessons back into design updates and procedure revisions.

Location, Engagement, and Compensation

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and is structured as a full-time engagement requiring consistent on-site presence. The compensation package is $229,800.00 per year, supplemented by equity awards that provide a stake in the company's future success. Exact equity terms, including vesting schedules and grant details, are detailed on the official application page and should be reviewed carefully.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Bachelor degree in engineering or a related discipline from an accredited institution. You should bring three to five years of hands-on experience joining difficult alloys under load in demanding environments. A strong understanding of high-speed vehicle concepts and the impact of thermal cycles on structural joints is essential to success in this role. You must be able to read detailed engineering prints and translate them into repeatable welding procedures that can be executed on the shop floor. Clear communication with both technical and executive stakeholders during critical reviews is required to ensure alignment and understanding. You must be authorized to work in the United States and relocate to Los Angeles, California, for this role without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with FAA or defense-related welding specifications is preferred and demonstrates familiarity with regulated environments. Familiarity with the unique demands of defense aviation will support success in this position and help you navigate complex requirements.

Tools and Capabilities

Proficiency with solid modeling software is necessary, along with welding simulation tools to predict performance and optimize designs before physical testing. Experience using laboratory test equipment to validate welds and procedures is required to ensure compliance with specifications. These tools enable accurate analysis and help maintain quality across development and production environments. You will use these capabilities to drive data-driven decisions and reduce the risk of failure in critical joints.

Practical Information

The details outlined here define the scope of work for this role and establish the expectations for performance and delivery. For the most current application instructions, procedural requirements, and details regarding remote work policy, compensation specifics, and start date availability, please refer to the official apply page provided by Hermeus. What you'll do

About the company

We reclaim the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build fast and powerful aircraft on relevant timelines. Our teams design and test high-speed systems that give our nation and its allies clear advantage in the sky. We focus on deterring global threats through disciplined engineering, repeatable experimentation, and reliable execution that de-risks complex programs. You will refine designs, validate performance through rigorous testing, and turn ideas into flying hardware quickly and safely. This mission-driven environment requires dedication, precision, and a commitment to excellence in every weld.