Manufacturing Engineer, Special Projects

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies produce rockets, jets, and satellites ten times faster and two times cheaper. Our CEO, Chris Power, discusses the significance of what we're creating in this video. We are a lean but mighty team (and growing!) of individuals passionate about constructing critical infrastructure to support the nation and advance humanity. We've raised over $200 million to achieve this vision, with multiple funding rounds from Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital, and others. We leverage AI and robotics to automate and scale factories that are globally cost-competitive and future-proof against the significant skilled labor shortage facing the Advanced Industrial Base.

Hadrian collaborates with startups, primes, and tiers 1 and 2 in all markets to reduce costs, scale, or otherwise enable them to reach production rates on critical programs in rocketry, satellites, shipbuilding, commercial, and military aircraft, as well as other core mission-critical areas industries.

The Role

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development of highly automated work cells in support of new manufacturing capabilities and production facilities. In this role, you will act as the operational connector across the Special Projects team, building end-to-end systems and processes that are scalable, robust, and aligned with Hadrian’s broader production objectives.

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Lead the design and development of first-generation manufacturing systems and automation tools from concept through deployment.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, supply chain, controls, software, and robotics, to implement strategic and process improvements.

• Communicate proactively with design engineering teams to provide early feedback on manufacturability and support iterative product development cycles.

• Apply DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles at the product level to ensure ease of production, cost efficiency, and scalability.

• Own and drive upgrades and autonomous system developments that support high-reliability production and rapid iteration.

• Analyze and troubleshoot equipment to optimize uptime, output quality, and process efficiency.

• Identify, define, and deploy automation opportunities using internal capabilities or external partnerships, guided by rigorous ROI and technical evaluations.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 3-5+ years of experience in manufacturing environments, particularly in systems engineering or automation deployment roles.

• Proven ability to collaborate with design engineers on early-stage product development, including translating design intent into robust manufacturing solutions.

• Strong DFM expertise with a track record of influencing design decisions to enhance manufacturability, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and drive cross-functional alignment in fast-paced, iterative settings.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills for data-driven problem solving and process improvement.

• Excellent communication, documentation, and team-building skills, with a hands-on, solution-oriented mindset.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience transitioning products from prototype to scalable volume manufacturing.

• Background in implementing automation and test systems into production workflows.

• Proficiency in data tools such as Excel and SQL for manufacturing analytics and process control.

• Experience managing or mentoring high-performing engineering teams with diverse technical backgrounds.

Benefits

• 100% coverage of platinum medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees

• 401k

• Relocation stipend if you’re moving from outside of LA

• Flexible vacation policy

It is the policy of Hadrian Automation, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.