Mechanical Design Engineer, Automation

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.

For this role, the target salary range is $150,000 - $220,000 (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.

• 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

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.

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.

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 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.