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:
A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and validation of innovative tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment that enable the prototyping, integration, and testing of advanced structural assemblies. This role emphasizes creativity, rapid iteration, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support early-stage research and development.
Responsibilities
Design and build innovative tooling, fixtures, and integration aids using CAD software to support R&D activities, prototype builds, and test campaigns.
Collaborate with structures, manufacturing, and test engineers to define tooling requirements for one-off and low-rate development programs.
Partner with internal and external machine shops to rapidly fabricate prototypes, with a focus on agility, adaptability, and proof-of-concept demonstration.
Explore and evaluate emerging fabrication methods and advanced materials (e.g., additive manufacturing, composites) to push the boundaries of tooling performance.
Conduct tooling trials, experiments, and validations to inform design refinements and accelerate technology maturation.
Continuously identify opportunities to simplify, automate, or improve prototype tooling to enhance speed, accuracy, and repeatability in R&D workflows.
Provide innovative solutions to complex integration and assembly challenges, often where no precedent exists.
Develop and maintain clear documentation of CAD models, experimental data, and usage guidelines to support knowledge transfer and future scaling.
Ensure all tooling meets ergonomic, safety, and operational requirements appropriate for development environments.
Act as a bridge between engineering and prototype build teams, resolving tooling-related issues quickly to keep R&D milestones on track.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in tooling or structural design, prototype development, or mechanical systems engineering within aerospace, automotive, or a related industry.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication methods including machining, additive manufacturing, composites, and rapid prototyping.
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tooling design and iteration.
Knowledge of GD&T and ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings to prototype development.
Familiarity with R&D environments and early-stage design-build-test cycles for high-performance aerospace systems.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to experiment, adapt, and iterate quickly in ambiguous development settings.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, prototype build, and test teams.
Knowledge of lean prototyping and continuous improvement principles in low-volume, experimental environments.
