Lead Propulsion Component Engineer
About The Role:
As a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical propulsion components—including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems operating in extreme thermal and pressure environments. This is a player–coach role: you will directly design and deliver hardware while leading a small team of engineers. You will own components from clean-sheet design through test, qualification, and flight, and your hardware will move quickly from concept to real-world operation.
Responsibilities
- Own propulsion components (e.g., high-pressure valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight qualification
- Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading
- Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
- Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware
- Lead development through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
- Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns
- Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities
- Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards
- Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware
- Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems
- Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits
- Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware
- Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware
- Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production
- Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
- Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
- Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems
- Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
- Experience with rapid development environments (startup or flight hardware programs)
- Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
- Experience supporting hardware through test campaigns and resolving real-world failures
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments
- Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations
- Willingness to travel to test sites as needed
- Must be eligible to access export-controlled information
The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.
At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.
Benefits:
- Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
- Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
- Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
- Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms
#LI-JC3
Send me jobs like these
Propulsion Technical Lead, General Engineers in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United StatesSimilar jobs
Sr. Electrical Engineer, Avionics
Electric Propulsion Engineer, Avionics
Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer
Lead, Avionics Survivability Engineer
Electrical Engineer, Sensors
Looking for Propulsion Technical Lead jobs in US?
Browse hundreds of latest Propulsion Technical Lead vacancies updated daily on one of the top US's aviation job sites. Aviation Job Search prides itself in helping thousands of people build their Propulsion Technical Lead careers in US.
Click below link to browse other Propulsion Technical Lead opportunities in US:
View all Propulsion Technical Lead Jobs
If you're an employer looking for Propulsion Technical Lead recruitment, get in touch with us by clicking on the link below:
Hire Propulsion Technical Lead Now