Systems Engineer, Systems Test

About the role

Hadrian is constructing the foundational software that enables autonomous decision-making across its network of factories, requiring deep systems expertise to validate complex behaviors. The Systems Test division you will lead is responsible for ensuring that perception, planning, and control algorithms perform flawlessly under real-world constraints. You will own the end-to-end test strategy for the Autonomous Factory Systems group, defining how verification and validation are executed from prototype to production. This position requires you to build and mentor a high-caliber team of test and simulation engineers who share your rigorous standards. You will translate abstract system requirements into concrete test cases that prove the safety and reliability of manufacturing operations. Your work will directly determine whether a system progresses from development to deployment on the factory floor. This is a hands-on technical leadership role where your expertise in simulation and methodology will set the standard for the entire organization.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Build and lead the Systems Test division - hire and grow a team of test engineers and simulation test engineers, establishing technical standards, tools, and processes for the group
• Drive full test plan coverage across all Autonomous Factory Systems programs, from early development through production release, ensuring systems are validated against real-world operating conditions
• Direct simulation test development - build out simulation test that model the edge cases and off-nominal conditions identified in systems test plans, translating those test plans into simulation test coverage of manufacturing cell operation
• Set technical direction across disciplines - design test approaches spanning hardware sub-components developed in-house and the integrated Autonomous Manufacturing Cells that combine machines, robotics, and orchestration software
• Stay deeply technical - focus on test architecture, simulation test methodology, and engineering standards as a hands-on technical leader; this is not a people-management position
• Partner cross-functionally with hardware, robotics, and software integration teams to embed testability and simulation test coverage into system design from the start
• Define quality gates - establish the criteria and processes that determine when a system is ready to move from development to release

Requirements

• B.S. in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; formal systems engineering training (e.g. INCOSE CSEP or equivalent coursework in requirements management, V&V, and systems architecture) is a plus
• 10+ years of systems engineering or test engineering experience for complex electromechanical or robotic systems, with a track record of technical leadership
• Experience building and scaling test strategies for integrated hardware and software systems
• Experience directing simulation test environments used to model system behavior, edge cases, and failure modes ahead of or alongside physical testing
• Familiarity with robotics, industrial automation, or manufacturing cell environments (machines, robotic arms, orchestration/control software)
• A track record of technical leadership - setting direction, raising the bar on engineering practices, and growing the technical capability of a team
• Comfort operating across the full stack of a program: from hardware sub-component test cases to system-level simulation test of autonomous behavior
• Excellent communication skills - translating test and simulation test findings into clear, actionable input for engineering and program leadership

Nice to have

• Experience with continuous integration/test pipelines for hardware-in-the-loop or simulation-in-the-loop systems
• Background in functional safety, reliability engineering, or systems validation in manufacturing, robotics, or automotive/aerospace domains
• Experience standing up a new team or function within an engineering organization

Practical notes

Compensation target salary range is $240,000 - $299,000 (actual range may vary by location and candidate). Travel is not required for this role. This position is eligible for Hadrian's standard benefits program, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The role is based in Los Angeles, CA, and is contingent on authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the job description without exception.