Lead Structures Manufacturing Engineer

Hermeus is a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company. The business is focused on building high-speed products that sustainably deliver asymmetric advantage to the Department of Defense and allied partners. Utilizing an iterative development approach to aircraft, Hermeus’ high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft aim to deliver capabilities at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s.

We’re looking for a Lead Structures Manufacturing Engineer to lead manufacturing strategy and execution for large structural assemblies on Quarterhorse. You’ll drive how we build — partnering closely with design, integration, and factory teams to ensure our structures are manufacturable, testable, and ready to scale.  

This is a hands-on, leadership-forward role. You should be excited to spend time on the floor, guiding builds, solving real problems alongside technicians, and pushing hardware forward. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership from day one — developing + driving roadmaps, building robust processes, and executing with clarity and intent. 

• You will lead and develop a team of manufacturing engineers 
• You will mentor and foster the continual technical and professional development of team members 
• You will work with the design engineering team to drive simplicity into the vehicle systems and their integration at a complex level 
• You will build a medium to long-term direction for Quarterhorse integration engineering team to address coming challenges and to meet company goals 
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems, tooling, and facility improvements needed to meet production rate requirements 
• You will be a vital part of the relationship between our engineering and technician team 
• You will drive root-cause analysis and corrective action recommendations/implementation 
• You will apply process improvement methodologies and tools (e.g. value stream mapping, problem solving, visual management, etc.) to reduce manufacturing build hours and quality issues; increase production rates; and remove waste from complex processes 
• You will manage projects and execute to tight timelines while effectively communicating to and influencing stakeholders 
• You will work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and test requirements, then implement in a rapidly evolving production environment 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline 
• 5+ years of industry product design, development, or build integration & test experience, specifically focused on integrated systems 
• 1+ years of experience performing fabrication and assembly 
• Strong communication skills and ability to read and provide feedback on technical documents 
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed 
• Will sometimes be working directly with the hardware on the floor and will have to be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing 
• Ability to make appropriate assumptions and perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to create rationale for clear recommendations 
• Experience with metallic manufacturing techniques and equipment for processes such as CNC fabrication, welding (orbital tube and TIG), precision cleaning, forming, inspection, etc. 
• Demonstrated experience with CAD and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 

• Experience in a startup development environment 
• Experience working in a flight development program 
• Experience transitioning parts from first articles to production 

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.