Founding Manufacturing Engineer (Gigacasting / Die Casting), 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 autonomous manufacturing, where you'll lead the development of advanced metal casting processes. This role offers the chance to work directly with engineering leadership on ambitious R&D projects that redefine production in aerospace and defense. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, you will be instrumental in designing scalable solutions that enhance manufacturing capabilities. If you're passionate about transforming industries and thrive in dynamic environments, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

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

401(k) retirement plan

Relocation stipend

Flexible vacation policy

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of casting and manufacturing workflows.
• Experience leading R&D initiatives with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of die-cast manufacturing processes.
• Partner with R&D and production teams to implement advanced casting methods.
• Drive process automation to enable scalable manufacturing.

Skills

Casting Processes

Gigapress Manufacturing

R&D Leadership

Process Automation

Communication Skills

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science

Metallurgy

Tools

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

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 (and growing!) of passionate individuals committed to building critical infrastructure to support the nation and advance humanity.

We've raised over $200 million through multiple funding rounds from investors including Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital, and others.

We utilize AI and robotics to automate and scale factories that are cost-competitive globally and resilient against the skilled labor shortages facing the industrial sector.

Hadrian collaborates with startups, primes, and Tier 1/2 suppliers across markets to reduce costs, scale production, and enable critical programs in rocketry, satellites, shipbuilding, aircraft (both commercial and military), and other vital 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 foundational role will lead and develop advanced metal casting processes within a high-performance manufacturing environment. You will serve as the primary technical authority in casting, supporting the design, optimization, and implementation of scalable solutions across aerospace, automotive, maritime, and defense industries. The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise and hands-on experience supporting innovative manufacturing operations.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the design, validation, and continuous improvement of die-cast and Gigapress manufacturing processes.
• Partner with R&D, quality, and production teams to implement advanced casting methods and defect-reduction strategies.
• Drive process automation and simulation efforts to enable scalable, high-rate manufacturing.
• Provide technical guidance across casting applications, from prototyping to full-scale production.
• Support hands-on implementation and occasional travel to client or partner facilities as needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Deep understanding of casting, Gigapress, and related manufacturing workflows.
• Proven expertise in developing and scaling casting processes in high-performance environments.
• Experience leading long-term R&D initiatives with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, fast-paced production settings.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to influence teams across functions.

What Will Set You Apart:

• Advanced degree or formal education in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related fields.
• Proficiency in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and GD&T, with the ability to evaluate technical trade-offs.
• Hands-on experience working across multiple functions such as quality, design, automation, and controls.
• Knowledge of high-performance alloys including aluminum, titanium, steel, and nickel-based superalloys.
• Prior leadership or consulting experience in aerospace, defense, or industrial manufacturing.

Benefits:

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

It is Hadrian Automation, Inc.'s policy to provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ITAR Requirements

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