Title: Production Engineer – Hydrogen / Piping
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Winchester, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
Reports To: Vice President of Hydrogen
About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we are redefining the future of flight through hydrogen-powered autonomous unmanned air systems (UAS). As a leader in hydrogen drone technology, we combine innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence to solve complex challenges in endurance, mission capability, and intelligent autonomy.
Our culture is built on trust, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. We value individuals who are humble, driven, and team-oriented—people who take initiative, continuously improve, and make a meaningful impact through their work. At Heven, employees have the opportunity to contribute ideas, solve challenging problems, and grow through hands-on experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
Role Summary:
Heven AeroTech engineers hydrogen-powered autonomous UAS that leverage hydrogen fuel cell technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced computing to deliver extended endurance and enhanced mission capabilities across defense, public safety, and commercial applications. As we expand our manufacturing operations in Winchester, Virginia, we are seeking a founding Production Engineer - Hydrogen / Piping to help build and scale our hydrogen generation and fueling systems. This hands-on role will focus on the assembly, testing, manufacturability, and maintenance of high-pressure hydrogen ground support equipment (GSE), partnering with engineering, safety, and operations teams to deliver reliable fueling solutions for the next generation of autonomous flight.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Lead the assembly and testing of high-pressure hydrogen systems, including tubing, fittings, regulators, and valves using Swagelok or equivalent compression fittings while adhering to industry best practices and safety standards.
- Develop and maintain assembly procedures, work instructions, and maintenance documentation for high-pressure hydrogen systems.
- Support engineering design reviews by providing hands-on feedback to improve manufacturability, serviceability, and system safety.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including ASME, CGA, SAE, ISO, and relevant DOT/DOE regulations.
- Collaborate with safety and engineering teams to maintain hydrogen safety protocols and support hazard analyses (HAZOP, FMEA).
- Perform and document leak checks, pressure testing, and system commissioning of hydrogen fueling and storage equipment.
- Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain hydrogen GSE, regulators, pressure relief systems, and instrumentation in laboratory and field environments.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
- 3–6 years of experience assembling, testing, or maintaining high-pressure gas or fluid systems (300+ bar).
- Demonstrated proficiency with Swagelok compression tube fittings or equivalent; Swagelok certification strongly preferred.
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings, P&IDs, and system schematics.
- Knowledge of pressure testing procedures, leak detection methods, and safe handling of compressed gases.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with experience using hand tools, torque wrenches, and precision measurement equipment.
- Working knowledge of pressure system codes and standards, including ASME B31.3, CGA guidelines, or equivalent.
- Strong safety mindset with experience working around high-pressure and flammable gas systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document procedures, communicate technical findings, and collaborate across engineering, operations, and safety teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a dynamic startup environment.
Preferred
- Direct experience with hydrogen systems, including high-pressure tubing, storage, regulators, or fueling equipment.
- Background supporting UAV, aerospace, defense, or advanced energy systems.
- Experience supporting field deployments, customer installations, or off-site test campaigns.
- Familiarity with PEM fuel cell systems and hydrogen supply requirements.
- Experience integrating or troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a manufacturing and test environment involving mechanical equipment, high-pressure systems, compressed gases, and laboratory or field testing activities.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and work in various positions for extended periods while performing assembly, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
- Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment, components, and tools as required (up to approximately 50 lbs.).
- Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, torque equipment, and precision measurement instruments.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and other protective gear.
- Ability to work outdoors and in varying conditions during testing, commissioning, and field support activities.
Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
