What are the responsibilities and job description for the Structures/Mechanical Engineering Intern - Fall 2026 position at Hermeus?
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:
Hermeus is seeking a hands-on Structures/Mechanical Engineering Intern to support the design, build, and test of flight hardware for next-generation aircraft systems. In this role, you will help design and develop mechanical subassemblies across the vehicle, including control surfaces, fuselage structures, avionics trays, and other flight-critical hardware.
This internship is ideal for students who enjoy owning real hardware, working in a fast-paced development environment, and taking designs from concept through fabrication, integration, and test.
Fall: Around 16 weeks (August - December)
\n- Support the design and development of flight hardware and mechanical subassemblies for aircraft systems.
- Assist with CAD modeling, drawing creation, hardware release, and design updates.
- Perform basic hand calculations and engineering analysis to support design decisions.
- Help build, integrate, troubleshoot, and test prototype and flight hardware.
- Collaborate with structures, mechanical, manufacturing, avionics, and test teams to support vehicle development.
- Contribute to design reviews, test planning, and documentation of lessons learned.
- Support rapid iteration by identifying design improvements, simplifying hardware, and incorporating feedback from build and test activities.
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program).
- Strong engineering fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and mechanical design.
- Hands-on experience with hardware through internships, research, labs, personal projects, or student teams such as FSAE, rocketry, robotics, or similar.
- Familiarity with CAD tools
- Comfortable working with physical hardware, hand tools, test equipment, and fast-paced build environments.
- Interest in aircraft structures, mechanical systems, flight hardware, and rapid hardware development.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams.
- Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
- Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Designed and released flight hardware.
- Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX.
- You’ve built something that’s flown, broken, or both.
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 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.
Salary : $25 - $33