NPI Process Development Technician — Advanced Fabrication Hadrian Automation Torrance, CA Job Details $30 - $60 an hour 5 hours ago Qualifications Fabrication Machine setup New product introduction engineering projects Equipment setup (production tasks) Procedural guides Machine operation Laser cutting Design of manufacturing processes Equipment troubleshooting Soldering tools Mid-level Factory operations documentation Manufacturing standard operating procedures Laser welding Policy & process development Spot welding Technology transfer (scale-up process) Water jet cutting (cutting method) Joining process implementation Mentoring Collaboration with manufacturing teams Industrial robotic systems Technical troubleshooting support Experience in a research and development laboratory environment Commissioning phase involvement Research & development Production troubleshooting Engineering manufacturing support Full Job Description The Opportunity Step onto Hadrian's FX factory floor and help turn brand-new machines into reliable production assets. As an NPI Process Development Technician, you'll commission equipment, refine fabrication processes, and validate methods that will later scale to steady-state manufacturing. We welcome candidates across experience levels—from early-career builders to veteran NPI technicians. A Day in the Life Your day might begin by bringing a newly delivered system online, proceed to iterating laser parameters with a manufacturing engineer, and wrap with documenting a proven sequence so production can replicate it. In between, you'll jump between laser cutting, resistance welding, hand soldering, water jet operation, and general assembly—wherever the next milestone needs a hands-on push. Core Impact Introduce and mature new capabilities at the FX site across laser cutting, resistance/spot welding, hand soldering, water jet operation, and assembly. Commission, operate, and troubleshoot new equipment as it lands on the floor—driving it from delivery to dependable use. Co-develop processes with process and manufacturing engineers for rapid NPI builds. Record setups, parameters, and lessons learned to enable a clean handoff to production teams. Cross-train across capabilities and support team growth as FX's R D group consolidates and scales. What You Bring Hands-on skill in at least one: laser cutting, resistance/spot welding, hand soldering, or water jet operation. Comfort operating in a fast-moving R D or NPI setting where processes evolve quickly and ambiguity is the norm. Strong troubleshooting instincts and a builder's mindset on the shop floor. Clear, thorough documentation of setup steps and process parameters for others to follow. Willingness to learn adjacent tools and processes as capability needs shift. What Sets You Apart R D experience at SpaceX or similar high-velocity NPI organizations (e.g., Starship), including hand laser welding, spot welding, laser cutting, or robot operations. Ability to support several programs concurrently and pivot with changing priorities. Comfort with hand-held laser welders and general assembly work alongside core cutting/joining processes. A track record of mentoring peers and helping less experienced technicians ramp on new equipment.