Senior Manufacturing Engineer, NPI

Senior Manufacturing Engineer, NPI – San Diego, CA • Engineering • Full‑time • In‑office. Who We Are Firestorm, a VC‑backed defense technology company, is building a distributed manufacturing ecosystem to produce modular, mission‑adaptive UAV platforms, parts and components for repair and sustainment, and the software to deploy them as a network of strategic assets. About the Role As Senior Manufacturing Engineer, NPI, you will turn early designs into production‑ready systems and shape our engineering process as we scale. You will own manufacturing from design transfer through production ramp, helping take products from prototype to full‑rate production. What You’ll Do Lead DFM and DFA efforts with design engineering, influencing product design to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and cost targets Own end‑to‑end process development for assigned product lines, including process flow, routing, work instructions, control plans, and standard work Architect and implement production lines, including tooling, assembly fixtures, and test systems, from concept through validation and release Lead process FMEA activities and define robust control plans with appropriate inspection strategies and SPC implementation Plan and execute First Article Inspections per AS9102, ensuring full characteristic accountability and production readiness Define and qualify acceptance test procedures, equipment, and infrastructure required for production Perform capacity modeling and rate readiness planning, informing staffing, equipment, and facility requirements Drive ERP and MRP routing strategy, labor standards, and MES integration to enable traceability and operational efficiency Lead root cause analysis for manufacturing issues and drive timely, effective corrective actions across cross‑functional teams Develop scalable operator training programs, workmanship standards, and production skill matrices Ensure compliance with ITAR and CUI requirements across all manufacturing documentation and data systems Lead manufacturing readiness and gate reviews, clearly communicating risks, tradeoffs, and mitigation plans Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience, including significant ownership of NPI or production ramp efforts U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance Proven experience developing and scaling manufacturing processes from prototype through low‑rate and full‑rate production Strong GD&T fluency and ability to interpret and influence engineering drawings Hands‑on experience designing tooling, fixtures, and production systems using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools Deep working knowledge of quality systems such as AS9100 and AS9102, and configuration management practices Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional efforts, influence stakeholders, and drive decisions in ambiguous environments Strong technical writing skills with the ability to create clear, effective, operator‑focused documentation Data‑driven approach to process optimization, with experience applying metrics, SPC, or statistical methods Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically, including regular time on the production floor and managing competing priorities under schedule pressure Preferred Qualifications Experience working in the defense or aerospace industry Experience in a startup or high‑growth environment building manufacturing systems from the ground up Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher, with demonstrated continuous improvement impact Experience with MES platforms such as Epsilon3, Solumina, or similar Background in UAV or UAS, aerospace systems, RF systems, electromechanical assembly, or composite structures Experience with special processes such as welding, soldering (IPC‑A‑610 or IPC‑A‑620), bonding, NDT, or coatings Familiarity with DFARS, ITAR compliance, and CUI requirements in a production environment Experience leveraging data tools such as Power BI, Python, or similar to drive manufacturing insights and KPIs Experience using AI or LLM tools to accelerate engineering outputs such as work instructions, process documentation, or analysis Experience with Arena PLM or similar product lifecycle management systems Exposure to DCMA or government source inspection environments Work Environment Based at our headquarters in San Diego, CA We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate Requires standing and walking for extended periods throughout the workday, frequently moving across the production floor Exposure to moderate noise, temperature variation, and typical shop‑floor conditions Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as required Compensation US Range: $121,000 - $164,000 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 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: 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr