Senior Manufacturing Specialist in San Diego, California at Firestorm

Every aircraft program has a gap between what engineering releases and what a technician can actually build. This role exists to close it. As a Senior Manufacturing Specialist, you are the connective tissue between design engineering and the shop floor. You'll take released CAD, drawings, and BOMs and turn them into work that a technician can execute the same way twice — routings, travelers, manufacturing BOMs, and step-level work instructions, backed by the tooling and fixtures needed to hold tolerance at rate. Then you'll stand at the bench during the first builds and find out where you got it wrong. This is a builder's job, not a desk job. You'll spend real time on the floor with a torque driver in your hand. You'll also spend real time redlining documentation, arguing a manufacturability issue back to a design engineer, and laying out a cell that flows. We are looking for two decades of aircraft manufacturing judgment — the kind you get from building airplanes, not from a classroom. No degree is required for this role. You'll work across the full arc of a product: new aircraft coming out of development, first articles, engineering builds, and platforms already running at rate. The processes you write and the tooling you build here are what we package and stand up at our forward production sites, so the work travels well beyond San Diego. What You'll Do

• Turn released engineering data into production-ready manufacturing planning: work orders, routings and travelers, manufacturing BOMs, and detailed work instructions.
• Work in the gap between engineering and production, and able to hold a technical position with engineers while staying credible with technicians.
• Author and maintain step-level work instructions in our digital work instruction system, linked to CAD, and keep them current as the configuration moves.
• Interpret and enforce aerospace specifications governing manufacturing processes, engineering requirements, and quality systems; verify the build conforms to what the spec actually calls for.
• Plan and support first article and engineering builds. Work the bench alongside technicians, capture every deviation, and drive redlines and change actions to closure.
• Design, source, build, and prove out tooling, jigs, fixtures, and gages — from identifying the need through shop acceptance and first use.
• Perform hands-on aircraft assembly and integration: bonded and fastened composite and metallic structure, finishing, propulsion installation, and mechanical/electrical integration.
• Lay out and optimize work cells. Sequence standard work, balance stations against a target rate, and eliminate the motion, waiting, and rework nobody has gotten around to fixing.
• Own the manufacturing side of new product introduction — take a platform from design through NPI verification and into full rate production without dropping the process detail on the way.
• Partner with Quality on inspection methods, buy-off points, first article inspection, and nonconformance disposition. Build inspection requirements into the plan rather than bolting them on after.
• Train technicians to the documented method and confirm they can execute it. Where the method is wrong, fix the method.
• Feed manufacturability and producibility findings back to design engineering with specific, actionable recommendations — not a list of complaints.
• Package process, tooling, and documentation so a build can be stood up at a second site with training and setup only, no re-engineering.
• Support estimating and capacity work: touch labor content, scrap and yield, tooling requirements, and floor space for new and existing platforms.
• Uphold 5S, FOD and ESD control, and shop safety protocols daily, and hold others to the same standard.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED, Trade School or equivalent education
• U.S. Person status (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required due to ITAR regulations.
• 15+ years of hands-on aircraft manufacturing experience covering mechanical assembly, adhesive bonding, fastening, finishing, and systems integration.
• Experience creating manufacturing process documentation: work orders, routings and travelers, manufacturing BOMs, and work instructions that technicians actually use.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and of QA inspection standards, techniques, and documentation.
• Able to read, interpret, and apply aerospace specifications governing manufacturing processes, engineering requirements, and quality systems.
• Experience carrying a product from design through a new product introduction process and into full-rate production.
• Practical command of lean principles, including work cell layout, standard work, and line balancing.
• Experience with the design, fabrication, and use of tools, jigs, fixtures, and gages.
• Fluent with engineering drawings, GD&T, exploded views, wiring diagrams, and released BOM structures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Composite structures experience: layup, bonding, trimming, and the tooling that goes with it.
• UAV, experimental aircraft, or low-volume/high-mix aerospace production experience.
• Experience in a company transitioning from prototype builds to rate production.
• Familiarity with PLM and ERP/MRP systems and the handoff between them (we run Arena and Unanet).
• Exposure to digital work instruction platforms.
• Experience with additive manufacturing and CNC machining workflows, including post-processing.
• Formal lean or continuous improvement training, or a record of leading kaizen events.
• Experience supporting a second production site, a transferred line, or a deployable manufacturing capability.
• CAD proficiency sufficient to model and detail tooling.

Who We Are
At Firestorm, we're on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision "democratized deterrence." As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we're pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we're pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost. Work Environment

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
• This role is manufacturing-focused and requires daily on-site presence; remote work is not applicable.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50–75 lbs, and wear appropriate PPE.
• Exposure to power tools, adhesives and resins, metal powders, high-temperature components, and 3D printing equipment.
• PPE is required and provided; adherence to all safety protocols and environmental controls is mandatory.
• Occasional travel (up to 15%) to partner sites, test sites, vendor facilities, or forward production locations, including international travel.

Compensation

• Hourly Salary: $30.00 - $50.00 an hour, 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 holiday hiatuses 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.