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)

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

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; 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

Nice to have

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

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.