Firestorm
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 are creating a new era of aerial vehicle design and redefining the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world‑class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost.
About the Role Firestorm is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in developing next‑generation UAV systems. In this role you will own the design, structural analysis, and build efforts for critical flight structures and mechanisms. You will be responsible for the design, analysis and oversight of manufacturing and validation of primary structures, and for the entire hardware product lifecycle of the airframe.
Working closely with electrical, manufacturing and flight‑test teams, you will develop mechanical components that satisfy demanding performance, manufacturability and cost criteria. A self‑motivated, adaptable leader who can drive projects to completion in a fast‑paced environment is essential. Significant structural airframe design experience and a proven track record of collaborative projects are required.
What You’ll Do
Lead mechanical design and structural analysis for key UAV subsystems across the product lifecycle: concept, prototyping, testing, production, and field support.
Develop innovative, manufacturable airframe designs optimized for UAV flight performance under varying operational conditions, ensuring structural, dynamic, thermal and functional requirements are met through rigorous analysis and validation.
Analyze initial aerostructure designs against preliminary mass properties targets and strength and stiffness requirements.
Create and maintain high‑quality 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks, emphasizing GD&T principles for precision and manufacturability.
Lead the structural mechanical design of aircraft primary and secondary structures in the airframe from initial concept through production.
Develop and champion innovative structural solutions to optimize weight, cost and performance, often taking the lead on these efforts.
Develop structural requirements, specifications and test plans (DVP&R) with minimal guidance.
Review static and dynamic load inputs, material properties and test results.
Independently perform analyses using FEA and hand calculations to predict performance under various loading conditions (static, dynamic, fatigue, etc.).
Lead and oversee structural testing, analyze test data and generate detailed test reports.
Proactively investigate and resolve complex structural issues that arise during development, providing robust design solutions.
Contribute to the development and improvement of structural analysis methodologies and best practices within the team.
Drive high‑cadence iterative design and analysis cycles, supporting rapid prototyping and cross‑functional design reviews to incorporate test feedback promptly.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with electrical engineers, flight‑test engineers and manufacturing teams to integrate complex mechanical and electromechanical systems, including servos, pumps, sensors, cameras, PCBAs, wiring harnesses and connectors.
Support technical reviews and contribute to design and analysis decisions, ensuring robust engineering practices and adherence to program requirements.
Support rapid prototyping efforts with hands‑on experience building functional prototypes in a shop environment, iterating designs based on real‑world results and test data.
Troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical issues through root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
Contribute to configuration management and documentation control, maintaining clear versioning of CAD files, assemblies and design revisions.
Build and maintain engineering rigor by contributing to company‑wide best practices, including CAD standards, documentation protocols and hardware management processes. Write detailed build documentation and collaborate hands‑on with technicians during hardware integration and assembly.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
8+ years of mechanical design experience, working directly with aircraft design.
Minimum 3 years of hands‑on structural analysis experience.
Strong foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals: structures, fluid systems, thermal management, mechanisms.
Hands‑on design engineering experience with proven application of design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) principles.
Experience analyzing primary and secondary aircraft structures using industry‑standard tools and methods.
Demonstrated ability to perform structural modeling and analysis of mechanical components and assemblies.
Proficiency in first‑order structural analysis and hand calculations, including free‑body diagrams, statics and mechanics of materials.
Experience in SolidWorks, including surfacing, top‑down design and advanced modeling techniques, plus strong knowledge of GD&T principles.
Experience integrating mechanical designs with electrical systems, including PCBAs, wiring harnesses and electromechanical components such as servos and sensors.
Direct application of DFM and designing for additive, traditional and composite manufacturing methods, including tooling and fixturing for composite assemblies.
Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) and able to work on‑site in San Diego.
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years’ of professional mechanical design experience, working directly with aircraft structural design and analysis.
5+ years of hands‑on structural analysis experience and design of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
Background supporting the full hardware development lifecycle: design, prototyping, testing and production.
Demonstrated skill in correlating analytical results with physical test data and applying findings to improve design performance.
Familiarity with configuration management, version control practices for CAD and engineering documentation control.
Familiarity with designing injection‑molded components or polymer‑based additive manufacturing techniques.
Work Environment
Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
This role requires an on‑site presence.
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE as required.
Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations.
Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed.
Compensation US Salary Range: $136,000 – $178,000 USD.
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November and December.
Generous parental leave.
Lifestyle spending account.
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Basic life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance covered by Firestorm; option to purchase additional life insurance.
Mental health resources: free 24/7 therapy and additional support services.
Free legal and financial support for employees.
Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. 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 applicable law. We actively encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.
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.
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About the Role Firestorm is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in developing next‑generation UAV systems. In this role you will own the design, structural analysis, and build efforts for critical flight structures and mechanisms. You will be responsible for the design, analysis and oversight of manufacturing and validation of primary structures, and for the entire hardware product lifecycle of the airframe.
Working closely with electrical, manufacturing and flight‑test teams, you will develop mechanical components that satisfy demanding performance, manufacturability and cost criteria. A self‑motivated, adaptable leader who can drive projects to completion in a fast‑paced environment is essential. Significant structural airframe design experience and a proven track record of collaborative projects are required.
What You’ll Do
Lead mechanical design and structural analysis for key UAV subsystems across the product lifecycle: concept, prototyping, testing, production, and field support.
Develop innovative, manufacturable airframe designs optimized for UAV flight performance under varying operational conditions, ensuring structural, dynamic, thermal and functional requirements are met through rigorous analysis and validation.
Analyze initial aerostructure designs against preliminary mass properties targets and strength and stiffness requirements.
Create and maintain high‑quality 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks, emphasizing GD&T principles for precision and manufacturability.
Lead the structural mechanical design of aircraft primary and secondary structures in the airframe from initial concept through production.
Develop and champion innovative structural solutions to optimize weight, cost and performance, often taking the lead on these efforts.
Develop structural requirements, specifications and test plans (DVP&R) with minimal guidance.
Review static and dynamic load inputs, material properties and test results.
Independently perform analyses using FEA and hand calculations to predict performance under various loading conditions (static, dynamic, fatigue, etc.).
Lead and oversee structural testing, analyze test data and generate detailed test reports.
Proactively investigate and resolve complex structural issues that arise during development, providing robust design solutions.
Contribute to the development and improvement of structural analysis methodologies and best practices within the team.
Drive high‑cadence iterative design and analysis cycles, supporting rapid prototyping and cross‑functional design reviews to incorporate test feedback promptly.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with electrical engineers, flight‑test engineers and manufacturing teams to integrate complex mechanical and electromechanical systems, including servos, pumps, sensors, cameras, PCBAs, wiring harnesses and connectors.
Support technical reviews and contribute to design and analysis decisions, ensuring robust engineering practices and adherence to program requirements.
Support rapid prototyping efforts with hands‑on experience building functional prototypes in a shop environment, iterating designs based on real‑world results and test data.
Troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical issues through root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
Contribute to configuration management and documentation control, maintaining clear versioning of CAD files, assemblies and design revisions.
Build and maintain engineering rigor by contributing to company‑wide best practices, including CAD standards, documentation protocols and hardware management processes. Write detailed build documentation and collaborate hands‑on with technicians during hardware integration and assembly.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
8+ years of mechanical design experience, working directly with aircraft design.
Minimum 3 years of hands‑on structural analysis experience.
Strong foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals: structures, fluid systems, thermal management, mechanisms.
Hands‑on design engineering experience with proven application of design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) principles.
Experience analyzing primary and secondary aircraft structures using industry‑standard tools and methods.
Demonstrated ability to perform structural modeling and analysis of mechanical components and assemblies.
Proficiency in first‑order structural analysis and hand calculations, including free‑body diagrams, statics and mechanics of materials.
Experience in SolidWorks, including surfacing, top‑down design and advanced modeling techniques, plus strong knowledge of GD&T principles.
Experience integrating mechanical designs with electrical systems, including PCBAs, wiring harnesses and electromechanical components such as servos and sensors.
Direct application of DFM and designing for additive, traditional and composite manufacturing methods, including tooling and fixturing for composite assemblies.
Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) and able to work on‑site in San Diego.
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years’ of professional mechanical design experience, working directly with aircraft structural design and analysis.
5+ years of hands‑on structural analysis experience and design of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
Background supporting the full hardware development lifecycle: design, prototyping, testing and production.
Demonstrated skill in correlating analytical results with physical test data and applying findings to improve design performance.
Familiarity with configuration management, version control practices for CAD and engineering documentation control.
Familiarity with designing injection‑molded components or polymer‑based additive manufacturing techniques.
Work Environment
Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
This role requires an on‑site presence.
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE as required.
Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations.
Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed.
Compensation US Salary Range: $136,000 – $178,000 USD.
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November and December.
Generous parental leave.
Lifestyle spending account.
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Basic life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance covered by Firestorm; option to purchase additional life insurance.
Mental health resources: free 24/7 therapy and additional support services.
Free legal and financial support for employees.
Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. 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 applicable law. We actively encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr