Principal, Manufacturing Design Engineer

Firestorm Labs is seeking a Principal, Manufacturing Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Diego. You will be in an individual contributor role and will need to be as comfortable in a design review as on the shop floor. You'll join the aircraft design team at the start of a program, make sure what we design can be built well, and then carry that work through process design, tooling, and the transition into production.

 

You will move with the program. Early on, you're a member of the design team, bringing DFM/DFA input before the design is locked. As the design matures, your focus shifts to process design, tool and fixture design, ground support equipment, and shipping solutions, and to handing the product off to our manufacturing operations team. This role reports to the SVP of Engineering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 is moving from prototype to production, and the choices made early in a design set the cost, quality, and speed of everything that follows. This role puts an experienced manufacturing mind on the design team from the first sketch and keeps that same person with the product until it's running on the floor. You'll have a direct hand in how our aircraft are designed, built, and supported in the field.

 

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:

 

 

 

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. Because this position requires a security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required.

 

 

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.