Senior Manufacturing Engineer, NPI in San Diego, California at Firestorm

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.
About the Role
Firestorm is building mission-adaptive UAV platforms designed for rapid deployment and scalable production. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, NPI, you will play a key role in turning early designs into production-ready systems and shaping how we build as we scale. You will own manufacturing from design transfer through production ramp, helping take products from prototype to full-rate production.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you will build processes, stand up production capability, and solve problems in real time. You will work closely with design engineering, quality, and operations, influencing product decisions while creating the manufacturing foundation behind them.
We are looking for someone who takes ownership, moves with urgency, and is comfortable operating in ambiguity. You enjoy building from scratch, figuring things out as you go, and putting structure in place where it does not yet exist. You are just as comfortable on the production floor as you are thinking through process strategy, and you take pride in delivering practical, scalable solutions.
What You’ll Do

• Lead DFM and DFA efforts with design engineering, influencing product design to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and cost targets
• Own end-to-end process development for assigned product lines, including process flow, routing, work instructions, control plans, and standard work
• Architect and implement production lines, including tooling, assembly fixtures, and test systems, from concept through validation and release
• Lead process FMEA activities and define robust control plans with appropriate inspection strategies and SPC implementation
• Plan and execute First Article Inspections per AS9102, ensuring full characteristic accountability and production readiness
• Define and qualify acceptance test procedures, equipment, and infrastructure required for production
• Perform capacity modeling and rate readiness planning, informing staffing, equipment, and facility requirements
• Drive ERP and MRP routing strategy, labor standards, and MES integration to enable traceability and operational efficiency
• Lead root cause analysis for manufacturing issues and drive timely, effective corrective actions across cross-functional teams
• Develop scalable operator training programs, workmanship standards, and production skill matrices
• Ensure compliance with ITAR and CUI requirements across all manufacturing documentation and data systems
• Lead manufacturing readiness and gate reviews, clearly communicating risks, tradeoffs, and mitigation plans

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience, including significant ownership of NPI or production ramp efforts
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
• Proven experience developing and scaling manufacturing processes from prototype through low-rate and full-rate production
• Strong GD&T fluency and ability to interpret and influence engineering drawings
• Hands-on experience designing tooling, fixtures, and production systems using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools
• Deep working knowledge of quality systems such as AS9100 and AS9102, and configuration management practices
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional efforts, influence stakeholders, and drive decisions in ambiguous environments
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to create clear, effective, operator-focused documentation
• Data-driven approach to process optimization, with experience applying metrics, SPC, or statistical methods
• Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically, including regular time on the production floor and managing competing priorities under schedule pressure

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the defense or aerospace industry.
• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment building manufacturing systems from the ground up
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher, with demonstrated continuous improvement impact
• Experience with MES platforms such as Epsilon3, Solumina, or similar
• Background in UAV or UAS, aerospace systems, RF systems, electromechanical assembly, or composite structures
• Experience with special processes such as welding, soldering (IPC-A-610 or IPC-A-620), bonding, NDT, or coatings
• Familiarity with DFARS, ITAR compliance, and CUI requirements in a production environment
• Experience leveraging data tools such as Power BI, Python, or similar to drive manufacturing insights and KPIs
• Experience using AI or LLM tools to accelerate engineering outputs such as work instructions, process documentation, or analysis
• Experience with Arena PLM or similar product lifecycle management systems
• Exposure to DCMA or government source inspection environments

Work Environment

• Based at our headquarters in San Diego, CA
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Requires standing and walking for extended periods throughout the workday, frequently moving across the production floor
• Exposure to moderate noise, temperature variation, and typical shop-floor conditions
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as required

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Compensation
US Range: $121,000 - $164,000
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 taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 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 December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• FSA
• 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 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 CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 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.