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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
Lead manufacturing process development and NPI for xCell electromechanical systems. Provide DFM/DFA feedback, drive continuous improvement, support retrofits and modernization, work with suppliers and production, and manage PLM/ECO/configuration tasks while enabling additive, CNC, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Summary Generated by Built In
Firestorm is looking for Manufacturing Engineer, xCell who can operate comfortably across the entire product lifecycle — from early manufacturing planning and process development, to supporting production builds, to helping modernize and retrofit systems already operating in the field.
One day you may be working with Engineering to improve manufacturability of a new design. The next you may be helping Mission Success evaluate a customer-driven retrofit. The day after that you could be standing in a machine shop discussing fixture concepts, CNC processes, or production improvements with machinists and technicians.
You'll work alongside Engineering, Mission Success, Business Development, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to help ensure xCell systems are not only designed well, but can be built, improved, sustained, and scaled.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes supporting xCell production and integration activities.
- Work closely with Engineering to provide DFM/DFA feedback throughout product development.
- Support New Product Introduction efforts from prototype through production.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Work alongside Mission Success teams to evaluate and implement retrofit solutions for deployed xCell systems.
- Support modernization efforts and capability upgrades driven by customer needs and operational feedback.
- Support Firestorm's investment in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Contribute to manufacturing floor layouts, production cell development, and workflow optimization efforts.
- Work directly with suppliers, manufacturing partners, machinists, technicians, and inspectors to improve manufacturability and production readiness.
- Support Arena PLM workflows, ECO implementation, and configuration management activities.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related field. In lieu of a degree 8+ years of progressive relative experience in the engineering field.
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
- 5+ years of hands-on hardware development experience — concept through production
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations for complex electromechanical products from development through production.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts and manufacturing process development.
- Knowledge of CAD tools, PLM systems, and ERP/MRP environments.
- Understanding of manufacturing fundamentals, continuous improvement methodologies & tools, and root cause investigation.
- Ability to work effectively with engineers, machinists, technicians, suppliers, and operators.
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 or equivalent defense hardware standards
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with project management tools (Jira, MS Project, or equivalent)
- SolidWorks or other CAD experience
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, ACE, CORE or other CI tools and methodologies
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Investigator/Facilitator, Subject-Matter-Expert (SME) and/or Process Owner 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.
- Travel up to 25%, including CONUS and OCONUS customer sites
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: $100,000 - $140,000 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 [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related field (or 8+ years progressive related experience)
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations; ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
- 5+ years of hands-on hardware development experience from concept through production
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations for complex electromechanical products from development through production
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts and manufacturing process development
- Knowledge of CAD tools, PLM systems, and ERP/MRP environments
- Understanding of manufacturing fundamentals, continuous improvement methodologies, and root cause investigation
- Ability to work effectively with engineers, machinists, technicians, suppliers, and operators
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 or equivalent defense hardware standards
- Familiarity with project management tools (Jira, MS Project, or equivalent)
- SolidWorks or other CAD experience
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, ACE, CORE or other continuous improvement tools and methodologies
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Investigator/Facilitator or Process Owner experience
- Experience with supplier interactions or procurement support
- Interest in defense, manufacturing, or hardware development
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.
