Propulsion Component Engineering Intern - Spring 2027

Hermeus · Los Angeles, California · Posted 2026-08-31

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:

As a Propulsion Component Engineering Intern, you will support the development of flight-critical mechanical and fluid system components, including valves, actuators, and integrated propulsion hardware. You will contribute to hardware development from clean-sheet design through build, test, qualification, and production, working closely with propulsion and vehicle teams. Your work will directly support systems operating in high-pressure, high-temperature, and dynamic flight environments.

Spring: Around 16 weeks (January - April)

Responsibilities:

Support the development of propulsion components (e.g., valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight-ready delivery
Contribute to designs for extreme environments, including high pressure, temperature, and transient operating conditions
Support engineering trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
Assist with clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion components
Support hardware through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and test
Work with propulsion and vehicle system owners to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies
Assist with system-level sizing, architecture, and design trades
Support development testing, qualification, and acceptance of flight hardware
Contribute to the transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready designs
Assist in defining operational limits and evaluating reliability and safety across all phases of use
Apply engineering judgment and first principles to support risk-informed design decisions
Prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environmen

Requirements:

Practical experience designing, building, and testing hardware or vehicles through internships, coursework, research, or hands-on projects
Must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program)
Strong interest in propulsion systems, mechanical systems, and hardware development
Strong understanding of engineering first principles, including fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
Demonstrated ability to work within cross-functional teams
Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
GPA of 3.0 or above

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms through internships, coursework, research, or projects
Experience designing or building components such as valves, actuators, or fluid control hardware
Familiarity with high-temperature materials, sealing strategies, and common mechanical failure modes
Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
Hands-on experience supporting hardware testing, assembly, integration, or troubleshooting
Experience with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
Experience participating in rapid hardware development environments, including engineering competition teams, research programs, or internships
Scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for analysis or automation

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments
Ability to support extended hours during critical test campaigns
Willingness to travel to support hardware builds and flight tests
Must be eligible to access export-controlled information

The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level.

Benefits:

Time Off: Interns are eligible for 5 days of sick leave and unpaid time off.
Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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About Hermeus

Hermeus is developing Mach 5 aircraft to speed up the global transportation network.