Process Engineer – Sheet Metal Manufacturing, Special Projects

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.

We recently raised $260 million dollar Series C to accelerate this mission. We are excited to launch a new Factory in Mesa, Arizona, a 270,000-square-foot facility that will create 350 new jobs immediately. We are opening a new headquarters to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to serve the naval production sector, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.

Hadrian collaborates with startups, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and major defense contractors across aerospace, shipbuilding, and aviation to scale production, reduce costs, and expedite delivery on mission-critical programs—leading investors, including Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, back us. Our fast-growing team is united by a shared mission to reindustrialize American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond!

The factories-as-a-service team analyzes our current customers' production and supply chain challenges, builds data-driven presentations, designs and scopes factories of the future, and assists the Federal and Strategic sales team in forming long-term partnerships with the DOD, Primes, and other manufacturers.

This team is responsible for scoping, design, cost, schedule, and technology analysis, as well as proposals for major programs and manufacturing transformations across all manufacturing methods and domains.

With several major programs in flight, we are hiring rapidly for this team that will effectively analyze, design, scope, plan, and handover (or join) execution of large-scale manufacturing efforts.

The Role:

Hadrian is seeking a Process Engineer with expertise in sheet metal manufacturing to define and develop robust, scalable production processes for complex parts. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and cross-functional — enabling production readiness and factory design for critical programs.

You’ll translate technical data (BOMs, CAD models, drawings) into actionable manufacturing strategies, working closely with design, operations, quality, and customer teams. You’ll scope new parts, develop process routings, and define the tooling, equipment, and inspection infrastructure needed to build them at scale.

What You'Ll Do:

• Analyze engineering data to classify and scope sheet metal parts into process families
• Develop first-principles cycle time estimates and detailed process routings
• Define factory requirements for cutting, forming, welding, finishing, and inspection
• Translate processes into staffing, equipment, layout, and QA plans
• Specify tools, jigs, fixtures, and inspection equipment
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to validate assumptions and drive alignment
• Own the process definition from part intake through production ramp
• Drive schedule recovery, manufacturability improvements, and risk mitigation for critical programs
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in sheet metal manufacturing or process engineering
• Strong understanding of flat pattern development, bend allowances, and GD&T
• Proficient in sheet metal processes: laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, forming, spot/GMAW/GTAW welding, finishing

What We'Re Looking For:

• Experience developing process routings, tooling/fixture designs, and quality plans (FAI, SPC, MSA)
• Clear communicator with strong documentation and project planning skills

What Will Set You Apart:

• Experience launching new production lines or greenfield operations
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with NDT, weld qualifications, and special processes
• Background in automation, robotics, or advanced inspection techniques

Benefits:

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

• 401k

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

• Flexible Vacation Policy

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.

Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. 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.