Propulsion Component Engineering Intern - Spring 2027

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 environment

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