Structures Engineering Intern - Fall 2026
Hermeus
Los Angeles, CA, USA
USD 25-33 / hour
Posted on Feb 24, 2026
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.
This role sits at the intersection of engineering design, manufacturing, integration and test for flight vehicles. You'll be embedded with design and production teams, owning everything from hardware design, tooling, testing and flight readiness to process development and vehicle assembly.
Summer: Around 12 weeks (May - August)
Fall: Around 16 weeks (August - December)
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design, build, and test of flight and test hardware supporting the Mk 2.3 airframe
- Support detailed project planning and execution to help drive hardware delivery on aggressive development timelines
- Assist in translating high-level structural design concepts into detailed CAD models, including geometry refinement, material selection, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) considerations
- Contribute to the transition of structural components and assemblies from prototype builds to repeatable production
- Identify opportunities to simplify designs, reduce part count, and improve manufacturability and assembly flow
- Support development of build processes, tooling concepts, and integration plans for structural hardware
- Assist in developing and executing test plans and procedures for structural and flight hardware validation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support vehicle integration and program milestones
Basic Qualifications
- Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing vehicles through internships, studies or 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 vehicle hardware.
- Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
- Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals.
- 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 Experience
- Designed and released flight hardware.
- Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX.
- Leadership experience on project teams or in mentorship roles.
- You’ve built something that’s flown, broken, or both.
Additional Requirements
- Must be willing to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed
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.
25 - 33 USD
Hourly rates are based on class standing (Undergrad, Grad Student, Masters Degree, Etc)