Test Engineer

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.

Test Engineering is a brand new team at Hadrian, built from the ground up with no legacy test framework to work around. As a Test Engineer, you'll be the responsible engineer and technical lead for all proof and functional testing on a large manufacturing program for complex weldments.

You'll set the test strategy for the program and decide what we test, how, and why. You'll use engineering first principles to decide which requirements we meet, exceed, or push back on, and you'll make the calls on cost, schedule, quality, and safety. You'll lead the design of the test equipment, make sure every test is safe, and coordinate the engineers and technicians who build and run it. You'll be on the floor for first articles, hand each test off to production, and set the standards the team carries to the next program.

The program is in its development phase today, and scope will grow as it moves into production. Many of the test capabilities will take 6 to 12 months to build, so the work you do now shapes how the factory runs later. If you like building a test program from an empty floor, leading through your expertise, and owning the outcome, this role is for you.

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  Own the test strategy and test plan for every program requirement, from customer spec to final data package

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  Interpret customer test specs, and negotiate changes when you disagree

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  Lead the selection, purchase, and integration of hydrostatic, proof, and functional test equipment into the work center. Design custom pressure systems, fixtures, and data acquisition when nothing off the shelf fits.

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  Own test safety: hazard analysis, stored energy calculations, and engineering controls for every test you stand up

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  Set the data collection, labeling, storage, and traceability requirements for program testing, and work with our controls, software, and data teams to build the tools

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  Write test automation, process plans, work orders, and training materials, and set the standard the rest of the team follows

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  Hand each test off to production with clear accept/reject criteria and trained technicians

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  Deliver a complete test data package to the customer showing compliance with every agreed requirement

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  Lead customer reviews and witness tests

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  Mentor engineers and technicians on pressure testing, test design, and safety

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  Work with build engineering, factory automation, factory planning, production, and workforce training to keep testing in step with the build. The line should never be waiting on a test result.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or chemical engineering

• 5+ years in test, launch, controls, integration, or fluid systems engineering

• Deep pressure test experience. You've planned, run, and signed off on hydrostatic or proof tests on large, complex hardware.

• Strong command of pressure system design: P&IDs, relief sizing, stored energy, and codes like ASME BPVC Section VIII, B31.3, and PCC-2

• Experience specifying, installing, and commissioning test equipment and data acquisition systems (NI, Dewesoft, HBK, or similar)

• Test automation in Python, LabVIEW, or similar

• A record of leading test programs or cross-functional projects from start to finish

• Experience making and defending tradeoffs across cost, schedule, quality, and safety with customers and internal teams, and knowing when to change course

• Able to travel to other sites and support occasional nights and weekends around test events

• System-level testing on hardware more complex than a single pressure vessel

• You've designed, built, and commissioned your own pressure test equipment

• You've stood up a new test lab or test capability from scratch

• You've built or maintained hydraulic systems

• You've led failure investigations and root cause corrective action

• You've led or mentored a team of engineers or technicians

• Time on console for test or launch operations

• A background in auto racing, aerospace testing, or launch

• Work in a regulated manufacturing environment with strict reporting and traceability requirements (AS9100, ASME code work, or similar)

• 5S or a similar program in a high-mix shop

• Hosting customer or third-party witness tests

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.

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.

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 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.