Tooling Technician, Special Projects

About the role

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future 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. The Role: We are seeking a Tooling Technician to serve as a cornerstone of our fabrication and automation operations. This is a hands-on, technical leadership role ideal for someone with deep experience in precision mechanical construction, metrology, and cross-functional collaboration. You will help establish and scale a world-class fabrication shop supporting aerospace, automotive, maritime, and defense applications. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the future of U.S. advanced manufacturing—come build it with us. Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: Fabricate and assemble complex tooling (e.g., jigs, fixtures, tool masters, gauges) with precision, using advanced reference systems. Design and develop custom holding devices, fixtures, and tooling interfaces to improve manufacturability and efficiency. Set up and utilize optical instruments and model-based metrology tools for inspection and alignment. Interpret and work from detailed engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications to perform high-precision setups. Identify and recommend continuous improvements to tooling processes, documentation, and equipment utilization. What We’re Looking For: High school diploma or GED required. Minimum 10 years of experience in precision mechanical construction. Minimum 10 years of experience with model-based metrology tools (e.g., laser trackers, articulated arms, or coordinate measuring machines). Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), engineering reference systems, and complex blueprint interpretation. Demonstrated hands-on expertise with bench inspection tools and advanced metrology equipment. What Will Set You Apart: Knowledge of tooling integration with automated manufacturing systems. Experience with building and assembling large, complex fixtures. Understanding of welding processes and their impact on tooling accuracy and tolerance stack-up. Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical teams. Benefits 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 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 . 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.