Founding Weld Engineer, Special Projects Division

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian builds software-defined high precision component factories for the top aerospace companies in the world. After a successful customer beta phase, we are substantially scaling our operations to our second factory (based in Torrance) and are in the final stretch of building our core software engineering and product team from whom the future of Hadrian will be built upon. This team will leverage various current and advanced technologies and build custom in house software solutions to help improve, automate and scale the future of manufacturing in the U.S.

We are in search of software engineers with the drive to augment manufacturing and build complex, yet elegant software as well as the machinists who have a passion to push the trade forward.

We've raised >$200m to achieve this vision, with multiple rounds from Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital and more.

Hadrian builds the factories of the future to scale critical production in Space, Defense & Aerospace industries.

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

Hadrian works with startups, Primes and Tier 1/2s in all markets to cost-down, scale or otherwise enable them to hit production rates on critical programs in Rocketry, Satellites, Shipbuilding, Commercial and Military aircraft and other core, mission critical industries.

The Role

In this role you’ll be a founding member of Hadrian’s new Special Projects division, working directly with the CEO and engineering leadership. The responsibility of this division is both to target moonshot R&D projects as well as act as engineering expertise on new business opportunities with customers. 

We are seeking an expert welding engineer to lead the development and optimization of precision welding processes for high-performance aerospace, automotive, maritime, and defense applications. This role requires a deep understanding of both manual and semi-automated welding techniques, along with a keen interest in advancing automation, robotics, or control systems. The welding expert in this role will work closely with design and manufacturing engineers each day to assess welding processes, make critical decisions, and drive continuous improvements.

You will be pioneering and reshaping advanced manufacturing across Aerospace & Defense in the US and will be the ripple for so much more - come join us!

• Ability to understand and communicate the entire welding manufacturing process
• Expert-level technical proficiency and awareness
• Experience establishing and evolving manufacturing processes from a prototype environment to high-rate production
• Strong vision and drive to pursue months-long R&D efforts

• Strong communications, problem-solving skills, expertise in fabrication / welding, and exceptional working pace
• Design, fine-tune, and validate welding processes and parameters for a range of welding applications
• Provide hands-on support for large-scale production welding, guiding welders and manufacturing engineers on best practices to ensure quality and efficiency on all efforts
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in a fast-paced environment, understanding and leading in both manual and automated welding applications  
• Part-time travel to client sites, when needed

• Higher education or coursework in fields like Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, Structural Engineering, Metallurgy, Material Science, or related STEM field
• Prior experience in automating welding applications—whether successful or experimental—is highly valued
• Prior experience standing up welding work centers–especially around automated welding equipment
• Welding experience with advanced aluminum, steel, titanium, nickel-based super alloys, etc.
• Hands-on project experience interfacing with different business units (e.g. design, manufacturing engineering, quality, robotics and controls, etc.)
• Knowledge of weld strength testing methods, industry standards, inspection and NDE, and data acquisition systems to support informed decision-making
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions 
• Leadership or consulting experience, especially in an aerospace / manufacturing context

•     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.