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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
Part-time student mechanical engineer supporting design, CAD modeling, drawings, BOMs, prototyping, assembly, test verification, and manufacturing/quality investigations for a modular production platform. Hands-on shop work and documentation under senior engineer guidance.
Summary Generated by Built In
Firestorm is seeking a Student Mechanical Engineer to join the xCell team in a part-time capacity while completing an undergraduate engineering degree. xCell is Firestorm's modular manufacturing platform, built to enable rapidly deployable and adaptable production capability. This is a hands-on role for a student who wants to apply classroom fundamentals to real hardware and learn how mechanical designs move from concept through prototype, test, release, and production.
You will work alongside experienced engineers, technicians, and manufacturing partners to support the design, integration, and documentation of xCell mechanical components, assemblies, enclosures, fixtures, and production solutions. The right person is curious, dependable, comfortable asking questions, and eager to take ownership of clearly defined engineering work.
What You'll Do
· Support the design and development of xCell mechanical components, structures, enclosures, equipment interfaces, and assemblies using 3D CAD under the guidance of senior engineers.
· Create and revise engineering drawings, models, bills of materials, and supporting documentation in accordance with established standards.
· Assist with xCell prototype and production builds, equipment installation, fit checks, assembly
· activities, and hands-on troubleshooting of mechanical hardware.
· Support design for manufacturability and assembly reviews by checking dimensions, interfaces, materials, tolerances, and fabrication methods.
· Help plan and execute xCell verification activities; document configurations, observations, measurements, results, and follow-up actions.
· Work with manufacturing and quality teams to investigate nonconformances, identify root causes, and implement practical corrective actions.
· Maintain organized xCell product data and support engineering change activity within Firestorm's document-control and product-lifecycle systems.
· Communicate progress, risks, and blockers clearly, and incorporate technical feedback into the next design iteration.
· Contribute where needed in a fast-moving development and production environment, including occasional hands-on work on the shop floor.
What You'll Bring
· Current enrollment in a bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
· U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance
· Completion of foundational coursework in engineering mechanics, materials, manufacturing, machine design, or related subjects.
· Working knowledge of 3D CAD; experience with SolidWorks is strongly preferred.
· Basic understanding of engineering drawings, dimensioning, tolerances, and mechanical assemblies.
· Ability to use common measurement tools and safely work around prototypes, tools, and production equipment with appropriate training.
· Strong attention to detail, sound written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage assignments around an academic schedule.
· A practical, collaborative mindset and willingness to learn through both analysis and hands-on execution.
· Availability to work up-to 30 hours per week on site in San Diego during the academic term, with scheduling coordinated around coursework.
What Sets You Apart
· Personal, academic, Formula SAE, robotics, UAV, rocketry, makerspace, or other hands-on engineering project experience.
· Experience creating parts or assemblies through machining, sheet-metal fabrication, additive manufacturing, composites, or basic shop processes.
· Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis, configuration management, PLM/PDM systems, or engineering change processes.
· Experience collecting test data, writing technical reports, or presenting design work to a technical audience.
· Interest in defense technology, expeditionary manufacturing, modular systems, or product development in an early-stage environment.
Work Environment
· Based onsite at our San Diego, CA Headquarters
· Availability to work approximately and up-to a total of 30 hours per week (not to exceed) on site in San Diego during the academic term, with scheduling coordinated around coursework.
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.
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that. We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need.
Backed by leading investors across defense, aerospace, and technology, Firestorm is redefining how defense capability is built, fielded, and sustained in contested environments. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.
Compensation
· Hourly Rate: $28.00 - $31.25 an hour, commensurate with experience
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.
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
The base pay range for this role is $28 – $32 per hour.
Skills Required
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's degree program in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering
- U.S. Citizenship (ITAR)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance
- Completion of foundational coursework in engineering mechanics, materials, manufacturing, or machine design
- Working knowledge of 3D CAD
- Experience with SolidWorks
- Basic understanding of engineering drawings, dimensioning, tolerances, and mechanical assemblies
- Ability to use common measurement tools and safely work around prototypes, tools, and production equipment
- Strong attention to detail, written and verbal communication, and ability to manage assignments around an academic schedule
- Availability to work up to 30 hours per week on site in San Diego during the academic term
Firestorm Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Firestorm and has not been reviewed or approved by Firestorm.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive across medical, dental, and vision, with company‑paid life/AD&D and short‑ and long‑term disability plus optional hospital indemnity, critical illness, and accident insurance. Tax‑advantaged accounts and mental‑health resources are also highlighted.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes “unlimited PTO” and an unusually generous holiday calendar that features a year‑end hiatus. Generous parental leave is also called out.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Multiple postings list explicit salary ranges for roles across engineering, operations, and field positions, and internship hourly rates are published. These disclosures provide clearer expectations on cash compensation for many candidates.
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The Company
What We Do
We are building the future of modular, open-source architectures supporting the Department of Defense requirements to create Affordable Mass. Firestorm is redefining military expectations for on-site modularity to support the widest array of mission areas.
