Build Engineer

Hadrian Automation • Torrance, CA

4h • $135,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Hadrian is seeking a Manufacturing (Build) Engineer to support early-stage and customer-driven builds. The role translates design and customer requirements into executable factory processes through hands-on build execution and rapid iteration. The engineer leads development of highly automated work cells for new manufacturing capabilities and production facilities and acts as an operational connector across the Special Projects team, building end-to-end systems and processes that are scalable, robust, and aligned with broader production objectives.

The position leads first-generation manufacturing systems and automation tools from concept through deployment, works across design, production, supply chain, controls, software, and robotics, and provides early manufacturability feedback to design engineering. It also applies DFM principles, drives system upgrades and autonomous system development, troubleshoots equipment, and evaluates and deploys automation opportunities.

Hadrian describes itself as building autonomous factories using AI, advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing for aerospace and defense production. The company offers full-time employee benefits including insurance plans, a 401(k), possible relocation support in certain situations, a flexible vacation policy, and equity. U.S. Government export regulations may require candidates to meet ITAR eligibility criteria.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing environments, particularly in systems engineering or automation deployment roles.
• Proven ability to collaborate with design engineers on early-stage product development and translate design intent into robust manufacturing solutions.
• Strong DFM expertise and a track record of influencing design decisions to improve manufacturability, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market.
• Ability to lead complex projects and drive cross-functional alignment in fast-paced, iterative settings.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills for data-driven problem solving and process improvement.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and team-building skills, with a hands-on, solution-oriented mindset.
• Must meet applicable ITAR eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience transitioning products from prototype to scalable volume manufacturing.
• Background implementing automation and test systems in production workflows.
• Proficiency with data tools such as Excel and SQL for manufacturing analytics and process control.
• Experience managing or mentoring high-performing engineering teams with diverse technical backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of first-generation manufacturing systems and automation tools from concept through deployment.
• Collaborate with design, production, supply chain, controls, software, and robotics teams to implement strategic and process improvements.
• Provide early feedback to design engineering teams on manufacturability and support iterative product development.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to improve ease of production, cost efficiency, and scalability.
• Own and drive upgrades and autonomous system development to support high-reliability production and rapid iteration.
• Analyze and troubleshoot equipment to optimize uptime, output quality, and process efficiency.
• Identify, define, and deploy automation opportunities using internal capabilities or external partners, based on ROI and technical evaluations.
• Translate design and customer requirements into executable factory processes through hands-on build execution and rapid iteration.
• Develop scalable, robust end-to-end systems and processes aligned with production objectives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees.
• 401(k).
• Relocation support may be provided in certain situations, based on business need.
• Flexible vacation policy.
• Equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior