Founding Casting Engineer, Special Projects Division

Job Description

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 founding member of Hadrian’s new Special Projects division, collaborating directly with the 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 designing, developing, and automating advanced casting processes for high-performance applications across multiple industries. You will be responsible for engineering scalable casting solutions using advanced alloys, improving process reliability, and integrating real-time controls while ensuring high-rate production is precise, cost-effective, and defect-minimized.

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

Lead end-to-end casting process development: Design, validate, and optimize casting techniques for a variety of components and alloys under demanding performance constraints

Enable data-driven performance: Apply modeling, simulation, and process analytics to drive efficiency and quality improvements

Champion hands-on production readiness: Provide technical direction for foundry operations, troubleshoot challenges, and guide process automation

Advance manufacturing scalability: Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality to evolve processes from prototype to full-scale production

Execute field-level support: Participate in occasional travel to support implementation and partnership activities onsite

What We’re Looking For:

Deep understanding of the end-to-end casting manufacturing process and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly

Proven track record of establishing scalable manufacturing processes, from prototyping to high-rate production

Strong technical proficiency in casting methods and related technologies

Experience working in dynamic, fast-paced engineering environments

Ability to lead long-term R&D efforts with persistence and strategic insight

What will set you apart:

Degree or coursework in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Metallurgy, Material Science, or a related STEM field

Proficiency with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), GD&T, and ability to guide technical decision-making across functions

Experience collaborating across engineering, quality, robotics, and controls disciplines

Knowledge of high-performance alloys such as aluminum, titanium, nickel-based superalloys, and related materials

Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT), structural analysis, and fatigue testing methods

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.

Full-time