Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
About The Role:
We are seeking a Components Manufacturing Engineer to be the first of its kind at our facility — responsible for establishing, developing, and scaling advanced manufacturing processes for critical hardware. You’ll take full ownership of component fabrication from concept through production, driving design-for-manufacture, process development, and continuous improvement across a wide range of precision mechanical systems.
This role requires a highly technical, hands-on engineer with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, first-principles environment. You’ll work closely with design, materials, and production teams to bridge the gap between prototype and production, helping define what world-class manufacturing looks like for our next-generation hardware.
Responsibilities:
Develop and own end-to-end manufacturing processes for complex mechanical and precision components (e.g., machined, welded, or formed metallic parts and subassemblies).
Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) by collaborating directly with design and development engineers from concept through release.
Define and optimize process parameters for laser welding, precision machining, assembly, and inspection of critical components.
Lead first-article builds, troubleshoot process non-conformances, and implement permanent corrective actions.
Own planning, operations, and scheduling for the sheet metal shop, ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality hardware.
Design and procure production tooling, fixtures, and test equipment to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput.
Support technicians and specialists on the production floor by troubleshooting issues, resolving non-conformances, and implementing corrective actions in a timely manner.
Establish and maintain process documentation, including manufacturing plans, work instructions, and control plans.
Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, supply chain, and test teams to ensure consistent component performance and reliability.
Develop data-driven approaches for process control, capability analysis, and yield improvement.
Serve as the technical authority for component manufacturing, mentoring technicians and shaping the facility’s future manufacturing capabilities.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
3+ years of hands-on experience in precision component manufacturing (aerospace, defense, or high-performance hardware industries preferred).
Demonstrated experience with CNC machining, welding (TIG/laser/e-beam), or additive manufacturing of complex metallic components.
Proven ability to develop, validate, and scale new manufacturing processes from concept through production.
Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and material behavior under manufacturing processes.
Hands-on experience in a lab or production environment, with a focus on process development, fixture design, or failure analysis.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Experience with advanced welding methods (laser, e-beam, resistance, or friction stir).
Knowledge of aerospace-grade materials such as aluminum, titanium, Inconel, and stainless steel.
Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles, SPC, and Lean manufacturing practices.
Experience transitioning R&D hardware into low-rate or full-rate production environments.
Strong CAD/CAM proficiency (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360).
Comfortable working in a startup or rapid-development environment requiring broad ownership and adaptability.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Frequent walking through office, manufacturing, and test facility environments.
- Extended or flexible hours may be required to meet critical program milestones.
