This is a process development and qualification role, not a machine operation role. You'll define machining processes from CAM strategy through first-part-off and drive them to capable, repeatable production — turning tough titanium and Inconel parts into documented, validated processes. You'll be the machining voice in capital equipment decisions, supporting SMEs through capex selection, and you'll partner with the factory development team as new capability is installed, commissioned, and brought online. It's a role for an engineer who combines hands-on machining judgment with data-driven rigor (DOE, SPC, capability studies) and wants their fingerprints on both the parts and the machines we buy — all in a fast-moving, high-mix, low-volume environment.
What You’ll Do
Lead CNC machining process development and research end to end — machining strategy, CAM/toolpath direction, cutting parameters, workholding and fixturing, and in-process probing — for complex, tight-tolerance aerospace and defense parts in a high-mix, low-volume environment (5-axis strongly preferred; mill-turn a plus), with a focus on steel, titanium and Inconel.
Qualify processes to capable, repeatable production: first-article builds, process capability studies (Cp/Cpk), SPC, and DOE-driven parameter optimization.
Serve as the CNC subject-matter expert supporting the capital equipment (capex) selection process — defining requirements and runoff criteria, evaluating machine tools, vendor assessment and capability studies, and factory acceptance testing (FAT).
Support the factory development team as new machining capability comes online — providing machining expertise through equipment installation, commissioning, and machine bring-up from first-part-off to fully ramped and stabilized production.
Provide Design for Machinability (DFM) feedback and tolerance definition to design and engineering teams, and drive cycle-time and cost-down improvements against aggressive program milestones.
What We're Looking For
4+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in CNC machining processes in aerospace & defense, precision manufacturing, medical device, or consumer electronics environments (a BS in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering is great; equivalent hands-on experience is just as valued).
Deep multi-axis expertise: 3–5-axis simultaneous milling and turning/mill-turn, with CAM proficiency (e.g., hyperMILL, NX CAM, Mastercam) and the judgment to direct programming strategies and review toolpaths even when you're not the primary programmer.
Hands-on experience machining titanium, Inconel, or other difficult-to-machine alloys — practical command of cutting tools and coatings, speeds and feeds, tool-life management, and thermal/distortion control.
Strong fundamentals in GD&T (ASME Y14.5), workholding/fixture design, inspection, and process validation — with a demonstrated data-driven method (SPC, DOE, process capability analysis) behind yield and process-change decisions.
Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-moving, high-mix environment: you own workstreams end to end, navigate ambiguity, and communicate clearly with machinists on the floor, engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
What Will Set You Apart
Capital equipment qualification experience: machine runoffs, vendor bring-up, capability studies, and factory acceptance testing — including greenfield buildouts or overseas equipment qualification.
Process development pedigree at scale — consumer electronics CNC (e.g., Apple MDE-style programs), space/propulsion machining, or medical device machining — with rigorous parameter and process documentation.
Large-format machining and/or mill-turn programming and process development experience.
Entrepreneurial ownership: machine-shop startup or buildout, 0-1 process launches, or products and businesses you built on your own initiative.
Automation and data skills: macro programming (Heidenhain/Fanuc), in-process or automated metrology, tool-life/load monitoring, or production data analysis.
Compensation
For this role, the target salary range is $126,000 - $219,000 (actual range may vary based on experience).
This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
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 export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, 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.
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.
CONSIDERATION OF CRIMINAL HISTORY
Hadrian will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws. We do not ask about criminal history on our application, and we do not consider criminal history before making a conditional offer of employment.
HADRIAN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hadrian does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental status, physical disability or any other legally protected status. 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.
