Program Manager, People & Recruiting

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies make rockets, jets, and satellites 10x faster and 2x cheaper. We use AI and Robotics to automate and scale factories that are globally cost competitive and future-proof from the dramatic skilled labor shortage that is facing the Advanced Industrial Base. Our CEO, Chris Power, discusses the importance of what we're building in this video.

Hadrian works with startups, Primes and Tier 1/2s in all markets to cost-down, scale or otherwise enable them to hit production rates on critical programs in Rocketry, Satellites, Shipbuilding, Commercial and Military aircraft and other core, mission critical industries.

We are a lean but mighty team (and growing!) people that are passionate about building critical infrastructure to support the nation and the advancement of humanity.

We've raised >$200m to achieve this vision, with multiple rounds from Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital and more.

Joining the People Team @ Hadrian

At Hadrian, we’re not just building autonomous factories — we’re building the teams, systems, and culture that will power the future of aerospace and defense manufacturing. As we scale, the People team plays a critical role in shaping how we attract, enable, and retain world-class talent across both engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Working on the People team at Hadrian means designing and operationalizing the foundation of a company that blends cutting-edge robotics, AI, and precision manufacturing — while supporting a workforce that spans software engineers, machinists, program managers, and everything in between.

We’re looking for builders: thoughtful, action-oriented team members who care deeply about people, process, and performance — and who want to help create a company culture that’s as strong as the infrastructure we’re deploying.

If you're energized by complexity, mission-critical work, and the chance to shape the trajectory of a generational company from the inside out, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

We are seeking a resourceful and systems-minded Program Manager for People & Recruiting Operations to drive key operational programs across the employee and candidate lifecycle. This role will serve as a cross-functional connector — ensuring that foundational People and Talent processes are efficient, well-documented, aligned with business needs and a reflection of Hadrian’s hyper-growth environment.

You’ll partner closely with HRBPs, Recruiting, People Ops, and functional leaders to streamline workflows, run high-precision programs, and support our mission to scale a high-integrity, high-performance organization. This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and brings a bias toward action, structure, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Own end-to-end delivery of People and Recruiting programs (e.g., onboarding/offboarding, performance management, headcount planning, interview operations)

• Drive documentation, optimization, and compliance of recurring processes (e.g., PIPs, compensation cycles, engagement surveys, offer approvals)

• Serve as a project manager for key cross-functional initiatives across the People and Recruiting functions

• Build and maintain trackers, dashboards, and templates that support reporting, planning, and operational rigor

• Partner with stakeholders (People Ops, Recruiting, Finance, IT) to support headcount hygiene, systems alignment, and process dependencies

• Support change management efforts — including communications, training, and adoption for new tools or workflows

• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and scalability within people and recruiting operations

• Contribute to compliance and audit readiness for areas like hiring approvals, onboarding documentation, or employee file audits

• Provide hands-on support and partnership to recruiters and HRBPs on day-to-day operational issues as needed

Requirements:

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows, competing priorities, and cross-functional stakeholders

• Demonstrated track record of successful program design and implementation across various People & Recruiting initiatives.

• Clear, concise, and compelling communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong bias for action, executing quickly and effectively while maintaining a high standard of excellence.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, leveraging data to inform decision-making and drive improvements.

• Skilled in project management, able to lead cross-functional teams and prioritize competing demands effectively.

• Systems thinker who enjoys solving for efficiency and usability

Admired Skills:

• Proven experience with Rippling, Ashby, Lattice, and other HR tools

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel or SQL for data analysis

• Experience working in or supporting regulated industries (aerospace, defense tech, advanced manufacturing)

Compensation and Benefits

For this role, the target salary range is $130,000 - $195,000 (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.

In addition to salary and equity, we offer:

• 100% coverage of platinum medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees

• 401k

• Relocation stipend if you’re moving from outside of LA

• Discretionary vacation policy 

It is the policy of Hadrian Automation, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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.