Founding Structures Engineer, Special Projects Division

As a Founding Structures Engineer at Hadrian, you will design, analyze, and optimize structural components for aerospace, defense, and maritime applications. Your responsibilities will include developing manufacturing processes for transitioning from prototype to high-rate production, using Finite Element Analysis to validate large-scale metallic structures, and collaborating with robotics and manufacturing teams to ensure successful implementation of your designs.

Candidates for the Founding Structures Engineer position at Hadrian should possess expertise in metallic structural design, particularly in aerospace, shipbuilding, or defense. Experience in high-rate production, proficiency in CAD software (like SolidWorks or CATIA), and a solid understanding of DFM and GD&T practices are essential, along with hands-on experience in automation and robotic integration.

At Hadrian, a Founding Structures Engineer will engage in exciting projects that focus on structural design for large-scale fabrication. You'll be involved in designing components for rockets and satellites while leveraging automation to streamline manufacturing processes, making a significant impact on critical aerospace and defense projects.

Hadrian is committed to the professional development of its employees, including Founding Structures Engineers. We offer opportunities to work with advanced technologies, contribute to groundbreaking projects, and collaborate with a talented team, all while encouraging continuous learning and growth in the rapidly evolving fields of aerospace and defense.

The working culture at Hadrian is dynamic and collaborative, with a focus on innovation and teamwork. As a Founding Structures Engineer, you'll be part of a lean but passionate team eager to push the boundaries of engineering and automation, contributing to a supportive environment where your ideas and initiatives are valued.

When designing large-scale metallic structures, it’s vital to prioritize factors such as safety, performance, and manufacturability. I typically start by using CAD software for initial concept designs, followed by finite element analysis to predict performance under various conditions. Collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams also plays a key role in refining designs.

I have worked extensively with automated manufacturing processes, specifically in integrating robotics into structural manufacturing workflows. This involves collaborating with software engineers to implement AI-driven quality control systems that streamline production and ensure accurate results through data analysis and feedback loops.

In a previous project, we faced a bottleneck in scaling up from prototype to production. I took the initiative to assess the entire manufacturing process, identifying areas for automation and recommending design modifications to improve flow. Collaborating closely with the manufacturing team, we streamlined the process and increased output without compromising quality.

I find CAD tools like SolidWorks and ANSYS invaluable for structural analysis and design. Additionally, I frequently use MATLAB for simulations and data analysis, especially when validating designs through FEA. Staying proficient in these tools has greatly enhanced my efficiency and accuracy in projects.

Ensuring compliance involves staying updated on industry regulations and implementing rigorous testing processes. I prioritize designing structures that meet safety standards and conduct thorough validations, including static and fatigue tests. Regular training and collaboration with quality assurance teams also help in maintaining high standards.

Collaboration is crucial in my engineering process as it allows for diverse perspectives and expertise to contribute to the final product. Working closely with automation specialists, manufacturing engineers, and design teams facilitates a more holistic approach to problem-solving and innovation.

To stay updated, I regularly attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, and read journals focused on aerospace and structural engineering. Engaging with professional networks and forums also provides insights into new technologies and best practices that can be applied to my projects.

Material selection is a critical part of my design process. I evaluate factors such as weight, strength, and cost-efficiency before choosing materials for a specific application. For instance, in aerospace applications, I often select high-strength alloys that offer durability and performance without excessive weight.

Managing tight deadlines requires effective prioritization and communication. I break down tasks into manageable segments and stay in constant communication with my team to ensure we remain aligned on goals. Utilizing project management tools also helps track progress and keep everyone accountable.

I am most proud of a project where I led the design and analysis of a large structural component for a defense aircraft. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that required innovative solutions and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, resulting in a successful prototype and eventual production scale-up.