--- title: 'Senior Manufacturing Specialist at Firestorm' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manufacturing-specialist-firestorm-san-diego-wv83fajvyexa' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Senior Manufacturing Specialist at Firestorm - **Company:** Firestorm - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-09-08 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://jobs.gem.com/firestorm/am9icG9zdDoE3cYzNr7e0b6JdE_hcqON ## Job description ## 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. ## About the Role 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. - 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. ## Qualifications - 15+ years of hands-on aircraft manufacturing experience covering mechanical assembly, adhesive bonding, fastening, finishing, and systems integration. - Demonstrated 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. - Proven ability 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. - Comfortable working in the gap between engineering and production, and able to hold a technical position with engineers while staying credible with technicians. - Capable of lifting up to 50–75 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in a shop environment with appropriate PPE. - U.S. Person status (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required due to ITAR regulations. A degree is not required. We are hiring for what you have built. ## 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. 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 US Base Salary Range: $130,000 - $145,000 USD 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 vision plans - 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals - Unlimited PTO - Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in December - Generous Parental Leave - FSA - 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. ITAR Compliance To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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. ## 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. ## About Firestorm ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Firestorm is a venture-backed defense technology company building an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem to produce and sustain modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems and parts at the point of need. - **Entity Type**: Private (VC-backed; Series A completed in July 2025) - **Headquarters**: San Diego, California, United States - **Founded**: 2022 - **Founders**: Dan Magy (CEO), Chad McCoy (CGO), Ian Muceus (CTO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense technology / Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Navy, Marine Corps, and allied forces (B2G) - **Mission statement**: “Equip warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Deliver adaptable resilience through uncontestable defense logistics.” ## Products & Services - **xCELL**: An expeditionary manufacturing unit that uses additive manufacturing (HP Multi-Jet Fusion) to produce high-strength polymer parts in the field. Off-grid, rapidly deployable, with secure communications and HVAC control. - **TEMPEST**: A modular unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed for production inside the xCELL unit. Configurable payloads for diverse mission sets. - **SQUALL**: An additively-manufactured first-person view (FPV) platform optimized for xCELL production. “Print. Build. Fly. Dominate.” - **Repair & Sustainment at the Edge**: On-demand production of replacement parts to keep units operational when resupply is delayed or denied. ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company) - **Key Metric**: Total funding of **$179.5M** across multiple rounds (as of mid-2025). Annual revenue estimated at **$7.6M** (Craft.co). - **Notable Investors / Partners**: The company has raised from at least 4 investors in the latest Series A ($47M announced July 2025), including debt financing and seed rounds. Specific investors not fully detailed in available sources but include VC firms backing defense tech. - **Growth Signals**: Employee headcount grew **95.9% YoY** to 127 people; job postings increased **4,400% YoY** (45 active openings). Talent sourced from Northrop Grumman, Shield AI, HP, General Atomics, L3Harris, and others. Awarded PY25.1 STRATFI funding (March 2025) to advance modular unmanned aerial systems. ## Competitive Advantages - **Expeditionary Manufacturing**: Forward-deployed additive manufacturing reduces dependence on traditional, centralized logistics – a key differentiator for contested environments. - **Modular Open-Source Architectures**: Platforms designed for rapid configuration and scalability, supporting “Affordable Mass” requirements of the DoD. - **Vertically Integrated Ecosystem**: Proprietary UAS platforms (Tempest, Squall) are purpose-built for the xCELL production process, creating a tight hardware-software-manufacturing loop. - **Founding Team**: CEO Dan Magy is a 5-time founder in defense hardware/robotics/AI with a previous exit (Citadel Defense). CGO Chad McCoy is a Tier 1 Special Operations veteran. CTO Ian Muceus is an additive manufacturing subject matter expert from Stratasys. ## Strategic Focus - **Current priorities**: Scaling expeditionary manufacturing units (xCELL) for field deployment; expanding modular UAS platforms (Tempest, Squall); deepening relationships with Navy, USMC, SOCOM, and CENTCOM; hiring aggressively across engineering, operations, and business development. - **Direction for growth**: Move from prototype to production at scale, build a network of distributed production assets, and become a prime supplier of affordable, mission-adaptable systems for the DoD. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: “Build toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics.” Emphasis on solving hard problems that reshape defense. Flat, mission-driven team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers. - **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Mix of in-office (San Diego HQ, Rome NY), hybrid, and fully remote roles depending on position. Engineering roles often San Diego-based with some remote flexibility. - **Notable Perks**: Opportunity to work at the intersection of additive manufacturing, robotics, and defense; fast-growing startup with significant VC backing; direct impact on warfighter capabilities. - **Engineering Culture**: Heavy focus on embedded systems, automation, airframe design, RF, AI/optimization, and manufacturing engineering. Teams are small, cross-functional, and hands-on. ## Sources 1. [Gem Careers – Firestorm](https://jobs.gem.com/firestorm) 2. [launchfirestorm.com – Solution & About](https://launchfirestorm.com/?from_theconsensus=1) 3. [LinkedIn – Firestorm Labs](https://linkedin.com/company/firestorm-labs) 4. [Built In – Firestorm Careers](https://builtin.com/company/firestorm) 5. [Craft.co – Firestorm Company Profile](https://craft.co/firestorm) ## Other roles at Firestorm - [UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-Rome, NY](https://feeny.ai/job/uas-operational-pilot-instructor-rome-ny-firestorm-rome-9t4qkwntzghf) — Rome, Italy - [UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-San Diego](https://feeny.ai/job/uas-operational-pilot-instructor-san-diego-firestorm-san-diego-1d9yq5snxg5t) — San Diego, CA - [Electronics Engineering Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/electronics-engineering-technician-firestorm-san-diego-6sp3n4d2whfk) — San Diego, CA - [Staff Project Engineer, UAS Development](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-project-engineer-uas-development-firestorm-san-diego-m65ptbyframy) — San Diego, CA - [Cloud Infrastructure Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cloud-infrastructure-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-mdf4f36rxhpa) — San Diego, CA - [Staff Platform Security Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-platform-security-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-h1p3qv2xvk48) — San Diego, CA - [Senior Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-qw3c7g3xgkjd) — San Diego, CA - [Test Automation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/test-automation-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-0c1zhb6shxdd) — San Diego, CA - [Full Stack Engineer - Crucible](https://feeny.ai/job/full-stack-engineer-crucible-firestorm-san-diego-0fyeqs7x4aca) — San Diego, CA - [Systems Software Engineer, Linux/Edge](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-software-engineer-linux-edge-firestorm-san-diego-a72zzv3hc41v) — San Diego, CA