Mechanical Design Engineer, Automation

Hadrian Automation; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k)

Relocation Support

Flexible Vacation

Equity

Job summary

Hadrian Automation is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of custom industrial machinery, automation equipment, robotic tooling, and mechanical systems from concept through manufacturing, assembly, testing, and commissioning. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years’ design experience in industrial settings, and proficiency with SolidWorks.

Strong CAD skills, GD&T, and cross‑functional collaboration are essential for delivering reliable,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience in industrial environments.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of GD&T and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems, machine assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and EOAT using 3D CAD software.
• Create manufacturing drawings, bills of materials, and engineering documentation with GD&T and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Support fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, prototype builds, and testing activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, controls, project management, suppliers, and technicians to improve equipment and processes.
• Support design reviews, troubleshooting, startup, commissioning, and continuous improvement efforts to optimize performance, reliability, and cost.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

GD&T

3D CAD

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

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of custom industrial machinery, automation equipment, robotic tooling, and mechanical systems. This role owns mechanical design activities from concept through manufacturing, assembly, testing, and commissioning. The ideal candidate combines strong CAD expertise with hands‑on knowledge of fabrication, manufacturing, and automated equipment, while collaborating across engineering and operations teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Design mechanical systems, machine assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and robotic end‑of‑arm tooling (EOAT) using 3D CAD software.
• Create manufacturing drawings, bills of materials, and engineering documentation while applying GD&T and design‑for‑manufacturing principles.
• Support fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, prototype builds, and testing activities to ensure successful execution of designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, controls, project management, suppliers, and technicians to develop and improve equipment and processes.
• Support design reviews, troubleshooting, startup, commissioning, and continuous improvement efforts to optimize performance, reliability, and cost.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience in industrial, manufacturing, automation, or related environments.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D parametric CAD software.
• Understanding of machining, welding, fabrication, assembly processes, engineering drawings, and GD&T.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience designing custom machinery, automation equipment, robotics, fixtures, tooling, or EOAT systems.
• Experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, vacuum, motion control, or sensor‑integrated mechanical systems.
• Hands‑on experience supporting prototype builds, equipment assembly, testing, and commissioning.
• Familiarity with FEA, engineering analysis tools, or mechanical simulation methods.
• Experience working in manufacturing, startup, or fast‑paced engineering environments.

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 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.

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

It is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. 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.