Components Manufacturing Engineer at Hermeus – Los Angeles, California

Components Manufacturing Engineer

Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.
We are seeking a Components Manufacturing Engineer to be the first of its kind at our facility responsible for establishing, developing, and scaling advanced manufacturing processes for critical hardware. Youll take full ownership of component fabrication from concept through production, driving design-for-manufacture, process development, and continuous improvement across a wide range of precision mechanical systems.
This role requires a highly technical, hands-on engineer with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, first-principles environment. Youll work closely with design, materials, and production teams to bridge the gap between prototype and production, helping define what world-class manufacturing looks like for our next-generation hardware. Responsibility

• Develop and own end-to-end manufacturing processes for complex mechanical and precision components (e.g., machined, welded, or formed metallic parts and subassemblies).
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) by collaborating directly with design and development engineers from concept through release.
• Define and optimize process parameters for laser welding, precision machining, assembly, and inspection of critical components.
• Lead first-article builds, troubleshoot process non-conformances, and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Own planning, operations, and scheduling for the sheet metal shop, ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality hardware.
• Design and procure production tooling, fixtures, and test equipment to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput.
• Support technicians and specialists on the production floor by troubleshooting issues, resolving non-conformances, and implementing corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including manufacturing plans, work instructions, and control plans.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, supply chain, and test teams to ensure consistent component performance and reliability.
• Develop data-driven approaches for process control, capability analysis, and yield improvement.
• Serve as the technical authority for component manufacturing, mentoring technicians and shaping the facilitys future manufacturing capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in precision component manufacturing (aerospace, defense, or high-performance hardware industries preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with CNC machining, welding (TIG/laser/e-beam), or additive manufacturing of complex metallic components.
• Proven ability to develop, validate, and scale new manufacturing processes from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and material behavior under manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience in a lab or production environment, with a focus on process development, fixture design, or failure analysis.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with advanced welding methods (laser, e-beam, resistance, or friction stir).
• Knowledge of aerospace-grade materials such as aluminum, titanium, Inconel, and stainless steel.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles, SPC, and Lean manufacturing practices.
• Experience transitioning R&D hardware into low-rate or full-rate production environments.
• Strong CAD/CAM proficiency (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360).
• Comfortable working in a startup or rapid-development environment requiring broad ownership and adaptability.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to be hands-on on the manufacturing floor daily.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work around industrial equipment as needed.
• Extended or flexible hours may be required to meet critical program milestones.

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer. Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more! 100% employer-paid health care401k & Retirement PlansWeekly Paid Office LunchesEnd of Year BonusesFully stocked breakroomsStock Options Paid Parental LeaveU.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 by22 C.F.R. 120.62or 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 OPPORTUNITYHermeus 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.

$105,750 - $169,625 a year