Tooling Engineer, Special Projects Division

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!) people that are passionate about building critical infrastructure to support the nation and the advancement of humanity.

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

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

You will be a member of Hadrian’s new Special Projects division, collaborating directly with our CEO and engineering leadership. This division is responsible for focusing on ambitious R&D projects and serving as engineering experts on new business opportunities.

This foundational role centers on the design, development, and implementation of precision tooling systems that support efficient, high-quality, large-scale manufacturing. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to create innovative tooling solutions for large parts and assemblies, with a focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.

You will play a key role in supporting new production capabilities by contributing hands-on technical work and strategic input.

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Design structural and mechanical tooling for large aerospace components and assemblies

• Collaborate with engineers and vendors to source/build, and deploy tooling systems

• Interface with technicians to validate, install, and optimize tooling usage

• Conduct FEA and static analyses to validate designs

• Document technical specifications, usage guides, and safety procedures

• Drive testing, validation, and iteration of tooling solutions

• Lead efforts to commission custom production tooling and machinery

• Support automated tooling integration in collaboration with controls engineers

• Use hand calculations and analytical techniques to guide design

• Ensure all systems comply with OSHA and critical lifting requirements

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Physics, or a related STEM field.

• 3+ years in a large production system environment with emphasis on rate production optimization

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and how tooling supports quality and production efficiency.

• Experience in designing tooling systems for complex or large-scale parts and assemblies, such as machining or welding.

• Ability to contribute to both prototyping and continuous improvement efforts.

• Demonstrated ability to perform FEA and static analysis to validate tooling under real-world conditions with proficiency in 3D modeling and simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or ANSYS).

• Knowledge of material selection and fabrication techniques suitable for high-load or high-temperature environments.

What will set you apart:

• Experience working with cross-functional teams including design, quality, and automation.

• 5+ years in a large production system environment with emphasis on rate production optimization

• Industry Experience with critical operations such as designing for OSHA requirements and essential considerations of lifting

• Industry Experience with structural fabrication and load path efficiency of structures

• Industry Experience with large CAD assemblies and coordinating and executing on the fabrication, assembly, and testing of those systems

• Industry experience working and interacting within a multidisciplinary team, including engineers, technicians, suppliers/vendors, and facility personnel.

Benefits:

• 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.