Founding Tooling 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 Tooling Engineer to helpHadrian with design and build complex, precision tooling that will drive Hadrian’s mission to transform manufacturing. You will create innovative solutions with a focus on mechanical structure and automation that enable faster production, cost efficiency, and compliance to industry standards and Hadrian’s rigorous quality requirements. Working closely with our multi-disciplinary engineering team you will be an integral part in building production processes and facilities from the ground up that are able to achieve rate and quality targets, tackling some of the toughest challenges in modern manufacturing .

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!

What we’re looking for:

• Ability to understand and communicate the entire manufacturing process

• Engineering expertise and awareness for prototyping and continuous improvement in production

• Strong vision and drive to pursue months-long R&D efforts

• First-principles approach to manufacturing tooling design

• Collaborative spirit and proven leadership in leading engineers, technicians, and management on complex projects

Responsibilities will include:

• Designing structural tooling to be used with large parts and assemblies

• Designing mechanisms to be used to as tooling for large parts and assemblies

• Working with design engineers and technicians to build and implement tooling

• Working with third-party vendors and manufacturers to source tooling components

• Strong communications, math, and problem-solving skills

• Exceptional working pace

• Part-time travel to client sites, when needed

What will set you apart:

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering specific study, Mathematics, Aerospace, Physics or related STEM field

• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

• Experience with 3D modeling and simulation tools  (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or ANSYS)

• Experience using alignment and metrology systems (e.g., laser trackers, FARO arms)

• Proven ability to perform FEA and static analysis to validate and optimize tooling designs, ensuring they withstand high loads, thermal stresses, and production conditions for large-scale manufacturing

• Proficiency in selecting materials and processes for tooling that can withstand challenging production environments (e.g., high loads, thermal cycling, or corrosive environments)