Total Rewards Manager

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. 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. Our CEO, Chris Power, discusses the importance of what we're building in this video.

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.

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.

Joining the People Team @ Hadrian

At Hadrian, we’re not just building autonomous factories — we’re building the teams, systems, and culture that will power the future of aerospace and defense manufacturing. As we scale, the People team plays a critical role in shaping how we attract, enable, and retain world-class talent across both engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Working on the People team at Hadrian means designing and operationalizing the foundation of a company that blends cutting-edge robotics, AI, and precision manufacturing — while supporting a workforce that spans software engineers, machinists, program managers, and everything in between.

We’re looking for builders: thoughtful, action-oriented team members who care deeply about people, process, and performance — and who want to help create a company culture that’s as strong as the infrastructure we’re deploying.

If you're energized by complexity, mission-critical work, and the chance to shape the trajectory of a generational company from the inside out, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

We’re looking for a thoughtful, analytical, and trusted Total Rewards Manager to help design and operationalize competitive, compliant, and scalable rewards programs. In this role, you’ll oversee compensation strategy, market benchmarking, salary structures, and incentive programs that align with our business goals and support our mission to attract and retain top talent in a highly complex and fast growing company.

You’ll serve as a key partner to People, Finance, and executive leadership, bringing a strong understanding of compensation best practices, regulatory requirements, and the nuance of rewards at Hadrian.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Developing and executing a holistic total rewards strategy encompassing compensation, benefits, recognition programs, and other rewards to motivate employee engagement and retention.

• Overseeing the design, implementation, and open enrollment of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, wellness initiatives, and other perks.

• Collaborating with the People team and business leaders to integrate compensation and rewards into our performance process, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Conducting regular market analysis and benchmarking to ensure that compensation and benefits packages remain competitive.

• Staying informed of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to compensation and benefits, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.

• Developing and facilitating training on total rewards programs for employees and managers.

• Managing relationships with external vendors, consultants, and brokers to optimize compensation and benefits services.

• Building reliable programs and systems driven by a comprehensive people technology strategy.

• Ensuring People technology systems comply with data privacy and security regulations and maintain the highest data protection standards.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Proven ability to set and execute a strategic vision for Total Rewards programs, aligned with company objectives.

• Extensive knowledge of compensation principles, practices, and trends, including incentive design and equity compensation.

• Experience overseeing payroll administration for exempt and non-exempt employees, in partnership with Finance teams.

• Demonstrated track record of successful program design and implementation across various Total Rewards initiatives.

• Clear, concise, and compelling communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong bias for action, executing quickly and effectively while maintaining a high standard of excellence.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, leveraging data to inform decision-making and drive improvements.

• Skilled in project management, able to lead cross-functional teams and prioritize competing demands effectively.

Admired Skills:

• Proven experience with Rippling, Ashby, Lattice, and other HR tools

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel or SQL for data analysis

• Experience with ITAR- or DFARS-compliant data systems is a plus

Compensation and Benefits

For this role, the target salary range is $150,000 - $210,000 (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.

In addition to salary and equity, we offer:

• 100% coverage of platinum medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees

• 401k

• Relocation stipend if you’re moving from outside of LA

• Discretionary 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.