Manufacturing Engineer, Sheet Metal

Hadrian Automation; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401k

Relocation support

Flexible vacation

Equity

Job summary

Hadrian is seeking a Process Engineer specializing in sheet metal manufacturing to define robust, scalable production processes for complex parts. This hands-on, fast-paced role calls for translating data (BOMs, CAD models, drawings) into actionable manufacturing strategies while partnering with design, operations, quality, and customer teams.

You will scope new parts, develop process routings, and specify tooling, equipment, and inspection infrastructure to enable production readiness and

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in sheet metal manufacturing or process engineering.
• Strong understanding of flat pattern development, bend allowances, and GD&T.
• Proficient in sheet metal processes: laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, forming, spot/GMAW/GTAW welding, finishing.
• Experience developing process routings, tooling/fixture designs, and quality plans (FAI, SPC, MSA).
• Clear communicator with strong documentation and project planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze engineering data to classify and scope sheet metal parts into process families.
• Develop first-principles cycle time estimates and detailed process routings.
• Define factory requirements for cutting, forming, welding, finishing, and inspection.
• Translate processes into staffing, equipment, layout, and QA plans.
• Specify tools, jigs, fixtures, and inspection equipment.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to validate assumptions and drive alignment.
• Own the process definition from part intake through production ramp.
• Drive schedule recovery, manufacturability improvements, and risk mitigation for critical programs.

Skills

Sheet metal manufacturing

GD&T

Process engineering

Welding

Process routings

Documentation

Tools

Punch-laser machines

Job description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian is building autonomous factories to reindustrialize America. By combining AI, advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we help aerospace and defense companies build rockets, satellites, aircraft, ships, and other mission‑critical systems up to 10x faster and at significantly lower cost.

Following our $1.37B Series D at a $7.87B valuation, Hadrian is rapidly expanding our manufacturing footprint, launching new capabilities across welding, casting, forging, electronics, additive manufacturing, and more, while scaling our Factory-as-a-Service platform to transform how critical products are built.

Backed by leading investors including JPMorgan Chase, Valor Equity Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, 137 Ventures, Lux Capital, T. Rowe Price, and Morgan Stanley, we’re building the future of American manufacturing—and looking for exceptional people to help make it happen.

If you’re ready to take on the most challenging and rewarding work of your career while helping create American manufacturing jobs for generations to come, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.

The Role:

Hadrian is seeking a Process Engineer with expertise in sheet metal manufacturing to define and develop robust, scalable production processes for complex parts. This role is hands‑on, fast‑paced, and cross‑functional - enabling production readiness and factory design for critical programs.

You’ll translate technical data (BOMs, CAD models, drawings) into actionable manufacturing strategies, working closely with design, operations, quality, and customer teams. You’ll scope new parts, develop process routings, and define the tooling, equipment, and inspection infrastructure needed to build them at scale.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze engineering data to classify and scope sheet metal parts into process families
• Develop first‑principles cycle time estimates and detailed process routings
• Define factory requirements for cutting, forming, welding, finishing, and inspection
• Translate processes into staffing, equipment, layout, and QA plans
• Specify tools, jigs, fixtures, and inspection equipment
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to validate assumptions and drive alignment
• Own the process definition from part intake through production ramp
• Drive schedule recovery, manufacturability improvements, and risk mitigation for critical programs

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in sheet metal manufacturing or process engineering
• Strong understanding of flat pattern development, bend allowances, and GD&T
• Proficient in sheet metal processes: laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, forming, spot/GMAW/GTAW welding, finishing
• Experience developing process routings, tooling/fixture designs, and quality plans (FAI, SPC, MSA)
• Clear communicator with strong documentation and project planning skills

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience launching new production lines or greenfield operations
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with NDT, weld qualifications, and special processes
• Background in automation, robotics, or advanced inspection techniques
• Experience using sheet metal punching/punch‑laser combo machines.

Compensation

For this role, the target salary range is $106,000 - $181,000 (actual range may vary based on experience).

This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits for Full-time Employees

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
  401k
• Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.
• Flexible vacation policy
• Equity

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, 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.

Use of AI in hiring

Hadrian uses AI‑assisted tools in our recruiting and hiring processes to help our team work more efficiently. This may include tools that help organize and analyze recruiting data, as well as an AI‑powered notetaker that can record and transcribe interviews and help coordinate feedback. These tools support our team and are not used to make hiring decisions. All candidate evaluations and hiring decisions are performed by humans. If an interview will be recorded, you will be notified in advance and may opt out at any time with no impact on your candidacy. Candidate data processed through these tools is subject to the same protections described in our Privacy Policy.

Consideration of Criminal History

Hadrian will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws. We do not ask about criminal history on our application, and we do not consider criminal history before making a conditional offer of employment.

Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Hadrian does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental status, physical disability or any other legally protected status. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.