Welding Specialist, R&D

Job description

HADRIAN - MANUFACTURING THE FUTURE Hadrian is building autonomous factories to reindustrialize America. By combining AI, advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we help aerospace and defense companies build rockets, satellites, aircraft, ships, and other mission-critical systems up to 10x faster and at significantly lower cost. Following our $1.37B Series D at a $7.87B valuation, Hadrian is rapidly expanding our manufacturing footprint, launching new capabilities across welding, casting, forging, electronics, additive manufacturing, and more, while scaling our Factory-as-a-Service platform to transform how critical products are built. Backed by leading investors including JPMorgan Chase, Valor Equity Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, 137 Ventures, Lux Capital, T. Rowe Price, and Morgan Stanley, we’re building the future of American manufacturing—and looking for exceptional people to help make it happen. If you’re ready to take on the most challenging and rewarding work of your career while helping create American manufacturing jobs for generations to come, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. The Role: As an integral member of Hadrian’s Special Projects division, you will work closely with the weld development team and engineering leadership on advanced R&D initiatives and customer-driven innovation. This division plays a dual role—leading moonshot engineering efforts and contributing expert guidance to new business opportunities. We are seeking a skilled Welding Specialist to help establish and scale a high-performance fabrication and automation operation. This is a hands-on, technical role designed for a welding expert who excels in precision craftsmanship, process optimization, and collaborative problem-solving. You will support manual and robotic welding operations as part of a broader mission to develop manufacturing solutions for aerospace, automotive, maritime, and defense applications. This is an opportunity to shape the future of advanced manufacturing in the U.S.—we’d be proud to have you build it with us. Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: - Perform precision welding of aluminum and steel using GMAW and GTAW processes to meet industry and project-specific standards. - Interpret welding codes, blueprints, CAD models, and welding procedure specifications (WPS), including standards such as AWS D1.2. - Diagnose and troubleshoot weld-related issues such as distortion, porosity, and fusion defects; develop and implement corrective actions. - Support welding inspections (visual, bend, NDT prep) and collaborate with engineers and quality assurance teams on process validation and qualification. - Maintain and calibrate welding equipment and support robotic, mechanized, and manual welding systems as required. What We’re Looking For: - High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of trade school or technical certification preferred. - Minimum 6 years of experience in welding, with demonstrated expertise in GMAW and GTAW processes. - Proven ability to weld aluminum and steel with a strong understanding of weld techniques, joint design, and distortion control. - Experience interpreting engineering drawings and working with part fixturing and lifting systems. - Familiarity with welding in varied environments, including confined spaces, elevated work areas, and hot work conditions. What Will Set You Apart: - Experience supporting or integrating robotic welding systems or automation in a production environment. - Ability to interpret nondestructive testing (NDT) results such as radiographic (x-ray) data for quality analysis. - Prior experience mentoring, training, or assessing the skill levels of team members in a fabrication setting. - Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives. BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES - Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees - 401k - Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need. - Flexible vacation policy - Equity 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 https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987. USE OF AI IN HIRING Hadrian uses AI-assisted tools in our recruiting and hiring processes to help our team work more efficiently. This may include tools that help organize and analyze recruiting data, as well as an AI-powered notetaker that can record and transcribe interviews and help coordinate feedback. These tools support our team and are not used to make hiring decisions. All candidate evaluations and hiring decisions are performed by humans. If an interview will be recorded, you will be notified in advance and may opt out at any time with no impact on your candidacy. Candidate data processed through these tools is subject to the same protections described in our Privacy Policy https://www.hadrian.co/privacy-policy. 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.