Founding Quality/Build Reliability Engineer (Welding & Assembly), Special Projects Division

Job Description

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.

We are looking to hire both ICs and Managers! If you want to learn more, please apply or contact our team directly.

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 leading our Build/Quality efforts to help develop and implement inspection processes for complex fabricated and welded components. This position will support production readiness, ensure quality standards, and identify opportunities to improve and automate inspection workflows.

You will work with cross-functional teams to develop reliable and scalable inspection systems that support high-performance manufacturing environments. This role is ideal for an individual with extensive hands-on experience and a proactive approach to innovation and automation in inspection processes.

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

• Develop and implement inspection methodologies, including weld inspection, NDT, and dimensional checks for large-scale components.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate inspection into broader production workflows and automation systems.

• Support early-stage manual inspection efforts while identifying opportunities to streamline and digitize processes.

• Ensure inspection processes are compliant with relevant industry and certification standards.

• Provide hands-on support across inspection, quality, and production functions, with occasional travel to client or partner sites as needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Deep understanding of weld inspection, post-processing, and NDT techniques in manufacturing environments.

• Proven experience establishing and scaling inspection processes for fabricated or welded assemblies.

• Hands-on experience with manual and automated inspection tools, techniques, and certifications.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in fast-paced, evolving environments.

• Ability to balance immediate hands-on needs with long-term automation and innovation goals.

What will set you apart:

• Experience designing certifiable inspection workflows, particularly for aerospace or maritime welding standards.

• Proficiency in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and GD&T, with the ability to assess and explain technical trade-offs.

• Background working across functions such as design, quality, manufacturing engineering, and automation.

• Knowledge of advanced materials, including aluminum, steel, titanium, and nickel-based alloys.

• Leadership or consulting experience in quality engineering or advanced manufacturing initiatives.

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.