# Propulsion Component Engineering Intern - Spring 2027 **Company:** [Hermeus](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-companies/hermeus) **Location:** Los Angeles, CA **Work mode:** On-site **Seniority:** Intern **Employment type:** Internship **Salary:** USD 25–33/hr **Category:** Aerospace Engineering **Department:** Other **Listed:** 2026-09-01 [View and apply on Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/hermeus/propulsion-component-engineering-intern-spring-2027-2cbb75f7-a040-47b2-a442-d9cc1faedb11) ## Job description 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 environmen ### 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 The hourly rate listed for this internship is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on degree level. ### **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. **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](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-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. ## Other open roles at Hermeus - [Senior/Principal Mission Software Engineer](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/hermeus/senior-principal-mission-software-engineer-19d682c6-1baa-4925-ad26-e1d806487893) — Atlanta, GA - [Senior Software Simulation Engineer](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/hermeus/senior-software-simulation-engineer-4eaaa884-89bf-42d2-87c9-11d0251c2fd3) — Los Angeles, CA - [Senior RF Systems Engineer](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/hermeus/senior-rf-systems-engineer-0c917fe8-c62e-494b-b97d-7ce0ca8fdfd7) — Atlanta, GA - [Senior Avionics Electrical Engineer](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/hermeus/senior-avionics-electrical-engineer-001be2a5-30e4-4ab2-a525-cf068034f6c5) — Los Angeles, CA - [RF Systems Enginee](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/hermeus/rf-systems-enginee-37949ec4-9801-41cf-9cf6-c987fcd1d425) — Atlanta, GA --- *Source: [Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com), the job board for space, defense, AI, robotics and frontier-tech companies.*