Founding Manufacturing Engineer (Giga-Assembly), Special Projects Division

ZipRecruiter; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, where you'll be a founding member of a new Special Projects division. This role offers the chance to work directly with leadership on ambitious R&D projects, focusing on advanced casting processes and large-format assembly robotics. You'll lead the development of automation solutions and collaborate across teams to create scalable manufacturing systems. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment that values creativity and technical expertise.

Benefits

100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401k retirement plan

Relocation stipend

Flexible vacation policy

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in large-scale automation and robotics in manufacturing.
• Experience transitioning from low-rate to full-scale production.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of automation solutions for oversized components.
• Collaborate with teams to build efficient manufacturing systems.

Skills

Large-scale automation

Robotics integration

Mechanical systems integration

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Coursework in Manufacturing Engineering

Coursework in Material Science

Tools

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

Technical drawing standards (GD&T)

Job description

Job Description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies make rockets, jets, and satellites 10x faster and 2x cheaper. Our CEO, Chris Power, discusses the importance of what we're building in this video.

We are a lean but mighty team that is passionate about building critical infrastructure to support the nation and the advancement of humanity.

We've raised >$200m from multiple rounds of funding including Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital, and more.

We use AI and Robotics to automate and scale factories that are cost-competitive globally and future-proof against the skilled labor shortage in the Advanced Industrial Base.

Hadrian collaborates with startups, primes, and Tier 1/2 companies across markets to reduce costs, scale operations, and enable critical programs in Rocketry, Satellites, Shipbuilding, Commercial and Military aircraft, and other mission-critical industries.

The Role

You will be a founding member of Hadrian’s new Special Projects division, working directly with the CEO and engineering leadership. This division focuses on ambitious R&D projects and serves as engineering experts on new business opportunities.

This role involves designing, developing, and automating advanced casting processes for high-performance applications across industries. You will be the pioneering expert in large-format assembly robotics, developing automation systems for complex assembly environments.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and integration of automation solutions for handling and assembling oversized components in a production setting.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and software teams to build scalable, efficient manufacturing systems.
• Design and select capital equipment, develop robotic assembly and material movement processes, and support their implementation.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership in transitioning processes from prototype to high-rate production.
• Contribute to long-term R&D initiatives while addressing immediate production challenges with innovative automation approaches.

What We’re Looking For:

• Deep expertise in large-scale automation, robotics, or mechanical systems integration within manufacturing environments.
• Experience in developing and refining processes supporting the transition from low-rate to full-scale production.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for hands-on support or collaboration.

What Will Set You Apart:

• Background in design for automation and familiarity with production process optimization.
• Degree or coursework in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Metallurgy, Material Science, or a related STEM field.
• Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM) and technical drawing standards (e.g., GD&T).
• Proven ability to lead or consult on large-scale technical projects across multiple departments.

Benefits:

• 100% coverage of platinum medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Relocation stipend for candidates moving from outside LA.
• Flexible vacation policy.

Hadrian Automation, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under law.

ITAR Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible for required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.