Fellow, Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Firestorm Labs is seeking a Fellow, Manufacturing Systems Engineer

to lead the technical direction of our deployable manufacturing capability. This is a production system that can be shipped, set up quickly in a warehouse or temporary facility, and run close to where our customers need it. You will own how that system is architected and how it evolves, including which processes and equipment make it possible, sometimes by applying existing technology in ways it was never intended for.

You will be the technical authority for the system, with final approval on anything that feeds into it. You'll need a designer's understanding of aircraft to shape designs with engineering, and the credibility to represent the capability to customers, government stakeholders, and partners. The system has to support Firestorm's own aircraft first, and should be as universal as possible so it can build and support other Group 1-3 unmanned systems too. This is an individual contributor role that will lead project teams, and it reports to the VP of Manufacturing.

What You’ll Do

Technical ownership:

Own the architecture of the deployable manufacturing capability, covering processes, equipment, and layout across additive, composites, metallics, assembly, integration, and validation and test.

Capability roadmap:

Set the long-term technology and capability roadmap for the system, and keep it tied to Firestorm's product plans and customer needs.

Final approval authority:

Serve as the final technical approval for designs, tooling, processes, and equipment feeding into the deployable system.

Process and equipment selection:

Find the processes and equipment that make deployable production practical, including new applications of existing technologies, and drive their evaluation with vendors and through trials.

Design influence:

Work with the aircraft design team from early concepts through release so that designs can be built in the deployable system.

Technical standards:

Set the technical standards that engineers, suppliers, and production sites build to, and keep the deployable system aligned with production at our headquarters through common equipment and processes.

Project leadership:

Lead cross-functional project teams through development, prove-out, and deployment, and mentor other engineers along the way.

Prove it out:

Lead prove-out of the system and get hands-on when it counts, taking it from first trials to a capability that is proven before it ships.

Packaging and deployment:

Define how the system is packaged, shipped, set up, and torn down, and lead its first deployments in the field.

Customers and partners:

Represent the capability to customers, government stakeholders, and partners, and build technology partnerships with equipment vendors.

Capital planning:

Create and inform the capital budgets, timelines, and business cases for the system and its equipment. Perform other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related discipline). In lieu of a degree 20+ years of progressive experience in the same or related technical field. 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 required due to ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status 15+ years of engineering experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing, or 12+ years with a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. Broad working knowledge of aircraft manufacturing processes, including additive, composites, metallics, assembly, integration, and validation and test. A deep understanding of aircraft design, and a track record of influencing designs for manufacturability. Experience architecting and standing up production lines, cells, or facilities, including selecting, specifying, and commissioning equipment and processes. Technical leadership experience across programs or sites, including leading cross-functional project teams. Experience applying existing technologies in new ways to solve manufacturing problems. Experience building capital budgets, timelines, and business cases for manufacturing equipment and facilities. Experience presenting to senior leadership, customers, and government stakeholders. Willing and able to get hands-on to build, test, and prove out new processes and systems. Experience with 2D & 3D modeling software

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Engineering or a related field. Experience with SolidWorks and Siemens NX. Experience with Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems. Experience with expeditionary, field-deployable, or mobile manufacturing, or with military field maintenance and repair. Patents or published work in manufacturing technology. Experience with tooling and fixture design, and with GD&T per ASME Y14.5. Experience with digital manufacturing tools such as CAM, additive build preparation, or digital work instructions. Startup or high-growth company experience.

Work Environment

Position is working on-site at our headquarters in San Diego, CA. Travel up to 15-25%, rising to as much as 40% during initial deployments and other surge periods, including international sites. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating. Relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we're building toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics. That means equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Not in months, not from a depot halfway around the world, but now, in the field, on demand.

We're a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that produces and sustains modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems, parts and components for repair and sustainment, and the software to transform point solutions into a network of strategic assets.

We're building a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot rely only on expensive, exquisite platforms made in centralized factories. We build and field affordable systems using distributed production capabilities at the edge. If you want to solve challenging problems that will reshape the future of defense, you're in the right place.

Why This Role, Why Now

Firestorm builds and fields affordable systems using distributed production at the edge. Making that real takes a production system that can be shipped, set up, and running fast, without a factory around it. This role owns the technical direction of that system, and you will be the person who makes sure it works wherever it lands.

Compensation

Base salary:

$250,000 - $290,000 base, commensurate with experience

Equity:

Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative, and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in looking after our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans Equity grants for new hires 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals Unlimited PTO Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July & December. Generous parental leave Lifestyle Spending Account FSA DCFSA HSA Hospital Indemnity insurance Critical Illness insurance Accident insurance Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family. Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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 otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.