Manager, Build Engineering

Role Summary

Hadrian is looking for a Manager, Build Engineering to lead the team that takes new products from zero to one on a dedicated customer program. You will own new product introduction end-to-end — from first article through qualification, ramp, and transition into standard production — and be accountable for the build outcomes of every engineer on your team.

This role sits at the center of the factory's cross-functional web. A new product doesn't reach one without Supply Chain, Capability Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Software, Materials & Processes, and Test all pulling in the same direction, and it's on you to keep those dependencies from becoming your engineers' problem to solve build by build.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a team of Build Engineers dedicated to a specific customer or program.
• Own program-level new product introduction (NPI) outcomes, from first article through stabilized production.
• Tie together the work of individual Build Engineers into one coherent execution plan — setting sequencing, prioritization, and risk mitigation across the program.
• Partner across Supply Chain, Capability Engineering, Production/Manufacturing Engineering, Software, Materials & Processes, and Test to unblock constraints before they impact the build.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for build issues within the program, resolving problems related to drawings, tolerances, tooling, materials, and process flow in real time.
• Coach, develop, and level up Build Engineers on the team; own staffing and leveling decisions.
• Represent the program in cross-functional planning, reviews, and leadership updates.
• Assess build and manufacturability risk at the program level and drive mitigation plans to protect schedule and quality.
• Drive lessons learned across builds and transition stabilized processes into standard production.
• Support engineering changes by evaluating program-level execution impact and aligning the team accordingly.

Required Qualifications

• 6–10+ years of experience in build, production, or manufacturing engineering, including hands-on experience with new product introduction (NPI) or zero-to-one manufacturing efforts.
• 2+ years of experience leading or managing a team of engineers in a manufacturing environment, or a demonstrated track record of informal technical leadership.
• Demonstrated success coordinating across engineering, supply chain, software, and production functions to deliver complex or first-of-kind builds.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, BOMs, and process requirements.
• Comfort operating hands-on on the factory floor as well as managing and prioritizing at the program level.
• Ability to make sound decisions under schedule pressure with incomplete or evolving information.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to align technicians, engineers, and leadership around a single execution plan.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience owning a product or program from concept/prototype through production ramp at a high-growth manufacturing or hardware company.
• Background in precision manufacturing, machining, assembly, or inspection within aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical industries.
• Exposure to test engineering, materials & processes, or capability engineering functions.
• Experience managing a team through frequent design or priority changes.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES/PLM systems and digital work instruction tools.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.