Build Engineer, Special Projects

We are seeking a Manufacturing (Build) Engineer to support both early-stage and customer-driven builds. This role is responsible for translating design and customer requirements into executable factory processes through hands-on build execution and rapid iteration. You will lead the development of highly automated work cells to support new manufacturing capabilities and production facilities. In this position, you will serve as the operational connector across the Special Projects team, building end-to-end systems and processes that are scalable, robust, and aligned with Hadrian's broader production objectives.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and development of first-generation manufacturing systems and automation tools from concept through deployment.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, supply chain, controls, software, and robotics, to implement strategic and process improvements.

• Communicate proactively with design engineering teams to provide early feedback on manufacturability and support iterative product development cycles.

• Apply DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles at the product level to ensure ease of production, cost efficiency, and scalability.

• Own and drive upgrades and autonomous system developments that 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 partnerships, guided by rigorous ROI and technical evaluations.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 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, including translating design intent into robust manufacturing solutions.

• Strong DFM expertise with a track record of influencing design decisions to enhance manufacturability, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market.

• Demonstrated 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.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience transitioning products from prototype to scalable volume manufacturing.

• Background in implementing automation and test systems into production workflows.

• Proficiency in 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., 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 (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees

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're accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000-square-foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts. Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond