---
title: 'Sheet Metal Shop Technician at Hermeus'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/sheet-metal-shop-technician-hermeus-los-angeles-a0akrb48gg31'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-13'
---

# Sheet Metal Shop Technician at Hermeus

- **Company:** Hermeus
- **Location:** Los Angeles, CA
- **Compensation:** $30–$50/hr
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2025-11-04
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hermeus/7fb22acd-1e1c-4f58-a3a8-58844f6a621c

## 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: We are seeking a Sheet Metal Shop Technician to support precision fabrication of complex, tight-tolerance flight hardware. In this role, you will set up, operate, and maintain advanced sheet metal cutting and forming equipment to produce components that meet rigorous aerospace-quality standards.

This is a hands-on, high-impact position where craftsmanship, attention to detail, and process discipline are essential. As a senior member of the fabrication team, you’ll take ownership of your equipment, mentor junior operators, and collaborate closely with manufacturing and engineering to continuously improve fabrication methods and product quality.

## Responsibilities

- Set up, operate, and maintain sheet metal fabrication equipment including laser cutters, press brakes, rollers, English wheels, shrinker-stretchers, and related forming tools.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and flat patterns to ensure all fabricated components meet dimensional and quality requirements.
- Perform precision measurement and inspection using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, and radius gauges to verify conformance.
- Work closely with manufacturing and design engineers to develop and refine fabrication processes for complex, tight-tolerance flight hardware.
- Execute basic assembly operations, including drilling, riveting, and fastening of metallic structures.
- Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on shop equipment to ensure peak performance and minimize downtime.
- Support and train operators on safe and efficient machine setup, operation, and best practices.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant workspace, supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the shop.
- Contribute feedback to improve work instructions, process documentation, and tooling designs.

Requirements:

- High school diploma or equivalency certificate required; technical training or trade certification in sheet metal fabrication preferred.
- 3+ years of experience operating and maintaining machinery in a precision manufacturing or aerospace fabrication environment.
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills with attention to precision and quality.
- Proficient in the safe operation of sheet metal forming, cutting, and finishing equipment.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of work from setup through inspection.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to collaborate effectively with engineers, machinists, and other technicians.
- Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in varied physical positions (bending, kneeling, crawling).
- Willingness to work overtime or weekends as needed to meet production goals.

## Preferred Skills and Experience

- Experience fabricating flight hardware or aerospace-grade sheet metal components in a high-mix, low-volume production environment.
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM or flat pattern software (Teamcenter, NX, TruTops Boost, IGEMS, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and execution to work instructions or travelers.
- Working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and precision measurement techniques.
- Experience developing or improving in-house fabrication processes for new or complex hardware.
- Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.

Additional Requirements

- Must be willing to be hands-on in a production environment daily.
- Ability to follow detailed technical processes and maintain consistent output under tight deadlines.
- Must be comfortable working in an environment with moderate noise and frequent tool use.

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.

## #LI-JC3

## About Hermeus

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Hermeus is an aerospace and defense company building the world’s fastest aircraft through rapid iterative prototyping, targeting high-Mach and hypersonic flight for national security and commercial applications.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series C, ~$350M raised in latest round)
- **Headquarters**: Hawthorne, California, USA (primary HQ at 3401 Jack Northrop Ave; additional offices in Los Angeles/El Segundo, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Washington, D.C.)
- **Founded**: 2018
- **Founders**: AJ Piplica, Glenn Case, Skyler Shuford, Michael Smayda

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; Defense Technology
- **Target customers**: B2G (primarily U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations), with future potential in commercial high-speed travel
- **Mission**: Build the world’s fastest aircraft by reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping, delivering high-speed systems that provide an asymmetric advantage for the nation and its allies.

## Products & Services
- **Quarterhorse Program**: A series of four purpose-built unmanned aircraft, each designed to unlock a specific technical challenge and incrementally de-risk hypersonic technology. The first aircraft flew in 2025, and the company reached supersonic flight just 364 days later—the fastest time from founding to supersonic flight in aviation history.
- **High-Speed Propulsion Systems**: Development of air-breathing engines, including testing at the High Enthalpy Airbreathing Test (HEAT) facility in Jacksonville, FL, using Pratt & Whitney F100 engines as a baseline.
- **Hypersonic Aircraft Platforms**: Future planned vehicles aimed at affordable, reusable hypersonic flight for defense and eventually commercial passengers.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed (conflicting reports; PitchBook lists latest Series C at $350M, total funding ~$566M)
- **Key Metric**: Total Funding ~$566M (9 rounds); Annual Revenue estimated at $5.6M (LinkedIn data, likely early-stage).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Sam Altman (led Series B), Khosla Ventures (led Seed), United States Air Force ($60M grant), NASA (Non-Equity Assistance), and other defense-focused investors.
- **Growth Signals**: 286 employees (+42% YoY); 122,889 LinkedIn followers (+58.2% yearly); rapid expansion from concept to supersonic flight in under 7 years; multiple open positions across engineering, manufacturing, and operations.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Speed of Iteration**: Hermeus is the fastest company in aviation history to go from founding to supersonic flight (364 days after first flight), using a hardware-rich, test-early approach reminiscent of the Skunk Works era.
- **First-Principles Engineering**: Small, cross-disciplinary teams that own problems end-to-end, enabling rapid decision-making and prototyping.
- **Government & Strategic Relationships**: Deep ties with DoD, USAF, and NASA, providing both funding and clear mission requirements.
- **Facilities & Infrastructure**: Four locations covering design, manufacturing, propulsion testing, and policy engagement, including a 110,000 sq ft facility in Atlanta and a dedicated test site in Jacksonville.

## Strategic Focus
- **Current priorities**: Scaling the Quarterhorse program to achieve hypersonic flight; maturing engine and airframe integration; expanding manufacturing capacity; hiring top engineering and operations talent; deepening partnerships with defense customers.
- **Direction for growth**: Move from unmanned demonstrators to operational hypersonic aircraft for defense, and eventually develop a commercial high-speed air transport capability.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Described as "rapid, relentless iteration" with a "total disregard for what others say can't be done." Emphasizes extreme ownership, stubborn focus, and a small-team, high-impact environment.
- **Remote/Hybrid/Office Policy**: On-site roles required at Hawthorne (LA), Atlanta, Jacksonville, or D.C. (multiple open positions are on-site).
- **Notable Perks**:
  - 100% premium coverage for health, dental, and vision for employees and dependents
  - 3 months paid parental leave (100% pay) plus optional additional unpaid month
  - Stock options for all full-time offers with equity refresher program
  - 401k & retirement plans
  - Unlimited PTO for exempt employees (generous accrued PTO for non-exempt) plus 12 federal holidays
  - Free weekly lunches, dog-friendly offices, commuter benefits
- **Engineering Culture**: Hands-on, cross-functional teams; opportunities to work on flight hardware, propulsion, avionics, software, and test operations; fast promotion cycles for high performers.

## Sources
1. [Hermeus Careers](https://www.hermeus.com/careers)
2. [Hermeus Company Page](https://www.hermeus.com/company)
3. [LinkedIn Company Profile](https://linkedin.com/company/hermeus)
4. [PitchBook Profile](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/267414-22)
5. [Lever Job Board](https://jobs.lever.co/hermeus)

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