Propulsion Test Intern - Summer 2025

As a Propulsion Test Intern at Hermeus, you'll assist experienced engineers in the design, setup, and operation of test stands, gaining firsthand knowledge about propulsion system testing. You'll contribute to instrumenting test setups, monitoring conditions, and analyzing performance data, which are key to system improvements. Collaboration with engineers and technicians will help you understand real-world testing environments and enhance safety procedures.

To apply for the Propulsion Test Intern position at Hermeus, you must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university, either as an undergraduate student in your third or fourth year, or in a Master's or Ph.D. program. You should have practical experience with vehicles through internships or projects, possess excellent communication skills, and demonstrate a strong interest in propulsion systems.

To succeed as a Propulsion Test Intern at Hermeus, it's important to demonstrate enthusiasm for aviation and hypersonic technology. Engage actively with your mentors, ask questions to deepen your understanding, and apply your knowledge of engineering principles during hands-on testing. Building positive relationships within cross-functional teams will also enhance your internship experience and contribute to impactful projects.

The pay for a Propulsion Test Intern at Hermeus ranges from $25 to $33 per hour. This competitive compensation reflects the valuable contributions you'll be making to the team, as well as Hermeus's commitment to attracting talented students passionate about aerospace technology.

Yes, the Propulsion Test Intern position at Hermeus is an equal opportunity role. Hermeus is committed to employment decisions based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace for all applicants, regardless of race, gender, or other legally protected statuses.

When discussing your experience with propulsion systems, focus on specific projects or internships where you gained hands-on experience. Highlight any relevant coursework or research that deepened your interest in propulsion technology and the skills you acquired.

Choose a project where you faced obstacles but ultimately achieved success. Discuss the challenge, your approach to problem-solving, and the final outcome. Emphasize teamwork and collaboration if other engineers or technicians were involved.

When prioritizing tasks during a testing campaign, it’s crucial to assess project timelines and the impact of each task on overall goals. Explain your strategy for managing deadlines, ensuring quality control, and communicating with team members effectively to keep everything on track.

Discuss relevant engineering principles like thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and material science. Emphasize how these principles guide your approach to testing and troubleshooting, and give examples of how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.

Describe your approach to staying calm and analytical when faced with surprises during a test. Explain how you assess the situation, collaborate with your team for solutions, and learn from the experience to improve future testing procedures.

Express your enthusiasm for Hermeus's mission to accelerate air travel and innovate with hypersonic technology. Highlight specific aspects of the company's values or projects that align with your career goals and interests in aviation or defense.

Talk about your communication skills, willingness to listen, and ability to support team members. Provide examples where your positive attitude and collaborative spirit led to successful team outcomes in past projects or internships.

Emphasize that safety is paramount in testing environments. Discuss specific safety protocols you are familiar with, such as ensuring proper testing setups and following emergency procedures, showing that you're proactive about maintaining a safe workplace.

Select a project where you collaborated with individuals from different engineering disciplines. Describe how you communicated effectively across functions, contributed your expertise, and achieved a successful result as a unified team effort.

Mention the resources you utilize, like industry publications, online courses, or workshops. Talk about any relevant conferences or seminars you’ve attended and how this ongoing education enhances your understanding of propulsion technology trends.