Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician

As a Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician at Firestorm, you will be the most capable set of hands on the floor — the person who builds the first article, figures out why it does not fit, fixes it, and then writes down how it should be done next time. You will own complete aircraft and test article builds from kit to functional hardware, own the setup and execution of mechanical test campaigns, and lead aircraft preparation and turnaround at field and flight test events.
This role carries real ownership. You will own the quality of one or more process areas — wire harness fabrication, composite layup and repair, or test lab tooling and calibration — and you will be the standard others are measured against. You will red-line drawings and work instructions during build and drive those corrections back into engineering, so that what gets released is actually buildable. You will mentor junior technicians and check their work. If you have spent your career building hardware that has to work the first time, and you want that work to matter, this is the seat.
What You'll Do
Aircraft and Prototype Build-Up

- Own complete aircraft and major assembly builds, from kitting through final integration and functional check.
- Serve as the shop’s authority on one or more process areas — wire harness fabrication, composite layup and repair, or bonded and fastened structural assembly — and own the quality of that area’s output.
- Fabricate complex wire harnesses and verify pin-out, continuity, and workmanship before installation.
- Install and rig mechanisms: control surfaces, servo linkages, hinges, and travel and throw setting.
- Perform propulsion and fuel system installation, including engine mounting, plumbing, leak checks, and propeller balancing.
- Resolve build issues in real time — fit-up problems, interference, missing or incorrect hardware — and exercise judgment on what can be worked and what must be escalated.
- Red-line drawings and work instructions during build and drive corrections back into engineering through the ECR process.
- Author and improve work instructions so that builds are repeatable by junior technicians.
- Identify non-conformances, support MRB disposition, and execute rework to the approved disposition.
- Support first-article inspection and production readiness as platforms transition from prototype to rate build.

Mechanical Test Execution

- Own test setup end to end: fixture fabrication and adaptation, test article installation, instrumentation, and data acquisition configuration.
- Install and verify strain gauges, load cells, accelerometers, thermocouples, and displacement transducers; confirm calibration and channel health before test.
- Configure and operate data acquisition systems — channel setup, sample rates, tare, and triggering — and deliver clean, labeled data to engineering.
- Execute static and proof load, drop, vibration and shock, thermal and environmental, and fatigue test campaigns to written procedure.
- Troubleshoot test setup problems independently and keep a campaign moving without waiting for an engineer at every step.
- Maintain anomaly logs, photo and video records, and test documentation sufficient to defend a result.
- Own lab infrastructure: fixture inventory, test stand maintenance, gage and equipment calibration schedule, and safe test operations including hazard review, stored-energy control, and rigging and lifting.

Flight and Field Test Support

- Lead aircraft preparation and turnaround at flight and field test events, acting as crew lead for build and maintenance activity on site.
- Own field loadout — tooling, spares, consumables, and GSE — and the readiness of everything that leaves the building.
- Set up and maintain launch and recovery equipment, ground control stations, and field power.
- Perform and document maintenance actions, squawk resolution, and post-flight damage assessment.
- Capture field findings and communicate them back to design engineering with enough fidelity to drive design changes.

Team and Process

- Mentor junior technicians, check their work, and build their skills and habits.
- Partner with mechanical and electrical engineering on design for assembly — tell us when a design is not buildable before it is released.
- Provide practical input on tooling, fixture, and GSE design based on how the hardware is actually built and used.
- Help define technician workmanship standards, training, and shop practices as the team grows.

Perform other duties as requested
Required Qualifications

- High school diploma, GED or equivalent education
- 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 required due to ITAR regulations , which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status
- 5+ years of hands-on technician experience in aerospace, defense, motorsports, or a comparable hardware-intensive prototype or production environment
- Experience reading and working from engineering drawings including GD&T callouts, wiring diagrams, schematics, and assembly procedures
- Experience building complex assemblies independently, from kit to functional hardware
- Wire harness fabrication experience — crimping, connector pinning, and continuity and pin-out verification
- Experience setting up and executing mechanical or structural tests, including instrumentation installation and data acquisition
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools and calibrated torque equipment

Preferred Qualifications

- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate
- Military aviation maintenance background — aviation structural mechanic, avionics technician, UAS maintainer, or equivalent
- Composite fabrication and structural repair experience
- Strain gauge installation and data acquisition experience (National Instruments, DEWESoft, HBM, or equivalent)
- sUAS build, maintenance, or field operations experience
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Manual machining experience — mill and lathe
- Ability to navigate CAD and PLM systems (Creo, Creo View, Arena, or equivalent) and mark up models and drawings
- Experience mentoring or training junior technicians

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. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.
Work Environment
- The position is working onsite at 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.
- Ability to travel domestically up to 25% in support of test and field events
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in shop, hangar, and outdoor field environments
- Valid driver’s license

This position operates primarily in a manufacturing, laboratory, and hangar environment, with periodic outdoor work at test ranges and field sites. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate hand tools, power tools, precision measurement equipment, and shop machinery. Exposure to noise, dust, adhesives, solvents, fuels, and composite materials, with appropriate personal protective equipment provided and required.
Compensation
- Hourly Base: $30.00 - $40.00 an hour, 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. 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
- Equity grants for new hires
- 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 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] (mailto:[email protected]) so we can provide the support you need.