Freelance Python Automation Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future
Hadrian is building autonomous factories to reindustrialize America. By combining AI, advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we help aerospace and defense companies build rockets, satellites, aircraft, ships, and other mission-critical systems up to 10x faster and at significantly lower cost.
Following our $1.37B Series D at a $7.87B valuation, Hadrian is rapidly expanding our manufacturing footprint, launching new capabilities across welding, casting, forging, electronics, additive manufacturing, and more, while scaling our Factory-as-a-Service platform to transform how critical products are built.
Backed by leading investors including JPMorgan Chase, Valor Equity Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, 137 Ventures, Lux Capital, T. Rowe Price, and Morgan Stanley, we're building the future of American manufacturing-and looking for exceptional people to help make it happen.
If you're ready to take on the most challenging and rewarding work of your career while helping create American manufacturing jobs for generations to come, you're exactly who we're looking for.
The Role
As a Test Automation Engineer, you will own comprehensive test engineering for Special Projects hardware from early bring-up through production ramp. You will define what gets tested, where it gets tested, how the measurement is made, how limits are defended, and how test data drives action across design, supplier quality, manufacturing, and operations.
This role is hands-on and production-facing. You will build test stations, fixtures, harnesses, instrumentation racks, automated sequences, data pipelines, and operator workflows for incoming component test, development / bring-up test, qualification / reliability test, in-process checks, and end-of-line acceptance.
We are looking for an engineer who can own the whole test problem, not just execute procedures, including measurement design, ATE / fixture architecture, test software, limits-as-data, MSA / gauge R&R, root cause analysis, station commissioning, and production handoff.
What You'll Do

• Define and own test architecture spanning incoming inspection, bench bring-up, in-process checks, qualification/reliability, and end-of-line acceptance - including measurement design, ATE/fixture architecture, limits, and production handoff
• Design and build production-grade test fixtures, harnesses, load banks, safety interlocks, and instrumentation racks; integrate instruments including DMMs, oscilloscopes, SMUs, electronic loads, programmable power supplies, hipot/insulation testers, LCR meters, DAQ, and machine-vision systems
• Develop and maintain automated test sequences in Python, LabVIEW, TestStand, or equivalent; build structured data capture with full traceability across station, DUT, instrument, calibration, operator, limits, and results
• Commission stations on the floor, support pilot builds, drive run-at-rate readiness, and troubleshoot false rejects, yield drops, station drift, fixture wear, supplier escapes, and intermittent failures
• Partner cross-functionally with Design Engineering on DFT and failure isolation, Supplier Quality on incoming drift and containment, and Operations on usability and serviceability; codify reusable infrastructure including sequencer libraries, fixture standards, limits-as-data, and troubleshooting runbooks

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years in test engineering, ATE/EOL development, hardware bring-up, or manufacturing test
• Proven track record taking at least one test station or automated test platform from requirements through production commissioning
• Strong electrical test and measurement fundamentals: accuracy, uncertainty, grounding, shielding, isolation, calibration, and safety
• Hands-on experience with Python, LabVIEW, TestStand, or equivalent automated test frameworks
• Practical knowledge of MSA/Gauge R&R, Cpk, SPC, false reject rate, and root cause analysis across design, fixture, software, and supplier failure modes
• Bachelor's degree in EE, Electronics, Mechatronics, Physics, or related STEM - or equivalent direct experience.

What Will Set You Apart

• Owned an end-of-line station from zero to volume with accountability for takt, FPY, false reject, uptime, and escape rate
• High-current/high-power test experience including electronic loads, isolated measurement, and stored energy safety
• MES/data pipeline integration using SQL, REST, MQTT, or OPC-UA
• PCB/breakout-board design for custom test interfaces, signal conditioning, or protection circuits
• Familiarity with IEC 61010, NFPA 70E, MIL-STD, JEDEC, or similar electrical safety and reliability standards
• Masters degree in related STEM fields

Compensation
$150,000 - $250,000 (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.
Benefits for Full-time Employees

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
• 401k
• Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.
• Flexible vacation policy
• Equity

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.
Use of AI in hiring
Hadrian uses AI-assisted tools in our recruiting and hiring processes to help our team work more efficiently. This may include tools that help organize and analyze recruiting data, as well as an AI-powered notetaker that can record and transcribe interviews and help coordinate feedback. These tools support our team and are not used to make hiring decisions. All candidate evaluations and hiring decisions are performed by humans. If an interview will be recorded, you will be notified in advance and may opt out at any time with no impact on your candidacy. Candidate data processed through these tools is subject to the same protections described in our Privacy Policy.
Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the Company's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.