Principal Fluids Engineer

As a Principal Fluids Engineer at Hermeus, you'll be responsible for leading the design and analysis of fluid systems, which includes critical areas such as propulsion and thermal management. You will perform system sizing analyses, translate system requirements into effective hardware solutions, and conduct performance optimizations. Your role will also involve validating fluid systems through experimental testing and guiding junior engineers, ensuring that our projects are completed successfully.

To be considered for the Principal Fluids Engineer role at Hermeus, you should hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Having over 10 years of experience in fluid systems engineering, especially within hypersonic or supersonic systems, is preferred. Your background should include a strong understanding of fluid dynamics and mechanical design, combined with excellent problem-solving and leadership skills.

The work environment at Hermeus is dynamic and fast-paced, encouraging collaboration among a multidisciplinary team of talented engineers. As a Principal Fluids Engineer, you'll work closely with diverse professionals dedicated to pushing forward cutting-edge hypersonic aerospace technology. The atmosphere is innovative, and you'll have the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that drive real change in air travel.

At Hermeus, we prioritize professional growth by fostering a supportive environment for continuous learning and development. As a Principal Fluids Engineer, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and engage in critical design and problem-solving sessions. Additionally, our approach encourages you to explore innovative solutions and promote career advancement through active participation in unique projects.

As a Principal Fluids Engineer at Hermeus, you will work on pioneering projects such as the Quarterhorse, our first flight vehicle program, and the Darkhorse, an uncrewed hypersonic aircraft. Your role will involve designing fluid systems essential for these hypersonic vehicles, and you will engage in a range of tasks, from concept development to testing and validation, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in aerospace technology.

When responding to this question, highlight your relevant work history and the specific fluid systems projects you've managed. Focus on your hands-on experience, emphasizing any roles where you led designs, performed analyses, or contributed to successful outcomes in hypersonic or supersonic systems.

Discuss the analytical approaches and tools you typically utilize, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software or other simulation techniques. Provide examples of how you've applied these methods to improve system efficiency or resolve performance issues in past projects.

For this question, showcase your mentoring philosophy and provide examples of how you've supported junior team members. Describe situations where you provided guidance or shared knowledge that contributed to their understanding and growth while reinforcing the importance of collaboration.

Structure your answer using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result. Clearly articulate the challenge, your thought process in addressing it, and the effective solutions you implemented, detailing the positive outcomes that resulted from your efforts.

Discuss your commitment to safety by explaining how you incorporate risk assessments and safety checks throughout the design and testing stages. Highlight your familiarity with industry standards and regulations that guide safe design practices.

Share the resources and methods you use to stay informed on the latest trends and advancements in the industry. This could include attending conferences, engaging with professional networks, or following relevant publications and research.

List specific software tools that are critical for fluid systems analysis, such as ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM. Explain how you have used these tools in past projects to achieve desired outcomes and how they enhance your problem-solving capabilities.

Choose a project that notably highlights your skills and achievements in fluid systems engineering. Use the STAR method to present the context, your role, and the impact your leadership had on the success of the project.

Demonstrate your teamwork skills by illustrating your experience working alongside mechanical, electrical, or software engineers. Talk about how you communicate effectively with different teams to ensure holistic project development and successful outcomes.

Discuss your perspective on automation and its role in enhancing efficiency and innovation in aerospace engineering. Share your views on how automation can complement engineering practices while still emphasizing the need for human expertise in critical decision-making.