Junior Project Engineer in San Diego, California at Firestorm

Firestorm is looking for a Junior Project Engineer, xCell. This is a great early career if you want to get your hands into real defense hardware programs without spending your first few years buried in a single narrow task. You’ll work directly alongside our Technical Program Manager and xCell engineering team — keeping programs on track, chasing down technical details, and contributing real engineering work along the way. You’ll be a force multiplier for a lean, fast-moving team. That means one day you’re updating a project schedule and tracking open actions, and the next you’re working with a supplier on a quote or building a 3D model to support a design decision. If you want early exposure to how defense hardware programs actually run — from the engineering bench to the customer — this is the right place to start. What You’ll Do

• Program support — work closely with our Technical Program Manager to maintain project schedules, track milestones and action items, and keep DRIs accountable to commitments across xCell programs
• Engineering support — assist xCell engineers with technical tasks including creating 3D models and 2D drawings, chasing down technical details, and helping resolve open engineering questions
• Supplier interaction — support the team with quote requests, supplier follow-ups, and supplier communications; help ensure the information the engineering team needs gets back to them quickly
• Cross-functional coordination — work across engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to help keep information flowing and actions moving
• Customer and supplier site visits — participate in select customer and supplier interactions to build your understanding of the operational and commercial environment xCell operates in (approximately 10% travel)
• Documentation and reporting — help maintain accurate program documentation, meeting notes, and status reporting that keeps the broader team informed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Systems, Industrial, or related field)
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• 2+ years of experience ideally, but we’re open to strong recent graduates and early-career engineers alike
• Organized and detail-oriented — you close loops, track your own actions, and don’t let things fall through the cracks
• Technically curious — you’re comfortable digging into engineering details and asking the right questions to get what the team needs
• Strong communicator — you can work across functions and levels without losing clarity
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with project management tools (Jira, MS Project, or equivalent)
• SolidWorks or other CAD experience
• Experience with supplier interactions or procurement support
• Interest in defense, manufacturing, or hardware development

Why This Role, Why Now xCell is building something that doesn’t exist anywhere else — deployable manufacturing at the point of need. The engineers and program professionals who join now will grow with the program and have a hand in shaping what comes next. If you’re early in your career and want real responsibility from day one, let’s talk. Work Environment

• Based onsite at our San Diego, CA. Headquarters
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically & internationally

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). 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, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment. Compensation

• Base salary: $90,000 - $115,000 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 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
• Equity grants for new hires
• 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 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.