Sheet Metal Manufacturing Engineer

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: We are seeking a Sheet Metal Manufacturing Engineer to design, build, and lead the processes required to establish and operate our internal sheet metal fabrication shop. You will take full ownership of standing up new production capabilities, from design feedback and process definition to equipment procurement, qualification, and production ramp-up.    This role is highly hands-on, combining deep technical expertise with operational leadership to enable rapid, high-quality production of precision components supporting next-generation hypersonic aircraft. Responsibilities • Define and implement end-to-end sheet metal manufacturing processes, including forming, cutting, and joining operations for complex aerospace components. • Develop and communicate internal shop capabilities, including authoring work instructions, control plans, and process documentation. • Own the schedule, capacity, and demand planning for the internal sheet metal shop; align build priorities with key stakeholders and proactively manage delivery risk. • Support technicians and specialists on the production floor by troubleshooting issues, resolving non-conformances, and implementing corrective and preventive actions. • Collaborate closely with Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability (DFM) is integrated into early development efforts. • Coordinate with Supply Chain to establish and maintain raw material inventory, traceability, and procurement planning. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to expand internal shop capabilities, reduce lead times, and maintain exceptional part quality. • Lead CapEx strategy, specification, and installation of new forming, cutting, and welding equipment to scale production capacity. • Serve as a technical owner for all internal sheet metal fabrication operations, mentoring technicians and helping define future-state manufacturing infrastructure. Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. • 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, process development, or test engineering for aerospace or high-performance hardware (including internships or project teams). • Familiarity with material properties and behavior for common aerospace sheet metals (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium). • Working knowledge of forming, cutting, and joining processes and their process controls. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions. • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on development environment with evolving priorities. Preferred Skills & Experience • Experience managing or supporting medium-to-high volume manufacturing operations. • Hands-on experience with sheet metal cutting (laser, waterjet), forming (press brake, rollers), or welding (TIG, laser) processes. • Familiarity with PLM, ERP, or MES systems for tracking hardware and managing workflows. • Understanding of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems. • Experience with DFM/DFA, SPC, or Lean manufacturing methodologies. • Exposure to aerospace hardware development or R&D environments requiring rapid iteration and cross-functional collaboration. Physical Requirements • Must be willing to be hands-on on the production floor daily. • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work around industrial equipment as needed. • Occasional extended or weekend hours may be required to meet critical program milestones. The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs. At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team. Benefits: Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees 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 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.