Build Engineer - Tooling

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.

A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and validation of innovative tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment that enable the prototyping, integration, and testing of advanced structural assemblies. This role emphasizes creativity, rapid iteration, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support early-stage research and development.

Responsibilities

• Design and build innovative tooling, fixtures, and integration aids using CAD software to support R&D activities, prototype builds, and test campaigns.
• Collaborate with structures, manufacturing, and test engineers to define tooling requirements for one-off and low-rate development programs.
• Partner with internal and external machine shops to rapidly fabricate prototypes, with a focus on agility, adaptability, and proof-of-concept demonstration.
• Explore and evaluate emerging fabrication methods and advanced materials (e.g., additive manufacturing, composites) to push the boundaries of tooling performance.
• Conduct tooling trials, experiments, and validations to inform design refinements and accelerate technology maturation.
• Continuously identify opportunities to simplify, automate, or improve prototype tooling to enhance speed, accuracy, and repeatability in R&D workflows.
• Provide innovative solutions to complex integration and assembly challenges, often where no precedent exists.
• Develop and maintain clear documentation of CAD models, experimental data, and usage guidelines to support knowledge transfer and future scaling.
• Ensure all tooling meets ergonomic, safety, and operational requirements appropriate for development environments.
• Act as a bridge between engineering and prototype build teams, resolving tooling-related issues quickly to keep R&D milestones on track.

Requirements

Preferred Skills and Experience

$110,000 - $180,000 a year

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 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 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.