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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
Lead technical authority for xCell expeditionary manufacturing: instruct NET events, own platform fault tree, mentor and certify FSRs, deploy for complex installs and recoveries, author sustainment documentation, and escalate engineering issues.
Summary Generated by Built In
Firestorm is looking for a Manager Expeditionary Manufacturing who will be the highest technical authority on xCell expeditionary advanced manufacturing systems in the field. You will lead New Equipment Training (NET) events, own the platform-level fault tree, mentor and certify junior FSRs, and serve as the escalation path into Engineering for complex customer-facing technical issues. This is a cadre-defining role: you set the standard for what excellent xCell field service looks like and you will build the team that delivers it.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Lead instructor for NET events on xCell systems; own NET curriculum currency in coordination with the Training Lead.
- Own the xCell platform-level fault tree; serve as Tier 2 technical authority and escalation point into Engineering for Tier 3 disposition.
- Mentor and certify new xCell FSRs across the field cadre as it scales (currently building toward 4 in Phase 1).
- Deploy to customer sites (CONUS and OCONUS) for complex installations, recovery operations, and customer-impacting failures.
- Author and maintain xCell sustainment documentation including the Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM), preventive maintenance schedules, and field troubleshooting playbooks.
- Participate in the xCell System Handoff Workflow as the xCell field-readiness owner; contribute to Stage 3 (Joint Configuration & First Article Inspection), Stage 5 (Customer-Facing Readiness), and Stage 7 (First-Build Acceptance) reviews per delivered system.
- Represent Mission Success in cross-functional Engineering and Product forums where xCell field signal informs roadmap and warranty disposition.
- Perform other duties as needed
Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM program: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In lieu of degree 12 years of progressive relevant experience or 8 years government military relevant experience.
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Active Secret clearance at hire (Top Secret eligibility required; Firestorm will sponsor where operationally required).
- 8+ years field service experience on complex additive manufacturing, industrial, and/or military hardware platforms.
- Experience leading NET or technical-train-the-trainer programs for U.S. military or partner-nation customers.
- Current U.S. passport at hire.
- Physical ability to perform field service tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs and working in austere conditions.
Preferred qualifications
- Prior U.S. military Warrant Officer, senior NCO maintenance, or Foreign Military Sales (FMS) sustainment experience.
- HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) certification, or equivalent industrial additive manufacturing OEM certification to obtain HP MJF cert within first 90 days.
- Prior employment at additive manufacturing OEM (Stratasys, 3D Systems, Markforged, EOS, HP service network).
- Experience supporting U.S. military exercises (Balikatan, Arcane Thunder, Talisman Sabre, xTech-class) or partner-nation training events.
- Familiarity with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) shipping documentation and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) protocols.
About Firestorm
Firestorm is a California-headquartered defense-tech company building expeditionary advanced manufacturing systems (xCell), Group 1-3 modular Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Tempest), and Group 1 quadcopter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Squall, produced via the xCell manufacturing platform). We are 150 employees, Series B, and growing the Mission Success function from the ground up to deliver white-glove fielding, sustainment, and customer success for the operators who decide vendor credibility in the first 72 hours of operational use. Our Mission Success function is Warfighter First, Led by Warfighters — the team that fields the system is the team that fielded systems like it.
Work Environment
- Position is 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 and ability to travel 30–50%; CONUS (Continental United States) and OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) deployments
Compensation
- Base salary: $130,000 - $150,000 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 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 [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field OR 12 years progressive relevant experience OR 8 years government/military relevant experience
- U.S. Citizenship (required due to ITAR)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Department of Defense security clearance
- Active Secret security clearance at hire (Top Secret eligibility required)
- 8+ years field service experience on complex additive manufacturing, industrial, or military hardware platforms
- Experience leading New Equipment Training (NET) or technical train-the-trainer programs for U.S. military or partner-nation customers
- Current U.S. passport at hire
- Physical ability to perform field service tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs and working in austere conditions
- Willingness and ability to travel 30-50% (CONUS and OCONUS deployments)
- Author and maintain sustainment documentation (IETM, preventive maintenance schedules, troubleshooting playbooks)
- Prior U.S. military Warrant Officer, senior NCO maintenance, or FMS sustainment experience
- HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) certification or equivalent industrial AM OEM certification (ability to obtain HP MJF cert within 90 days)
- Prior employment at additive manufacturing OEMs (Stratasys, 3D Systems, Markforged, EOS, HP service network)
- Experience supporting U.S. military exercises or partner-nation training events
- Familiarity with ITAR shipping documentation and HAZMAT protocols
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.
