Senior Manufacturing Engineer, New Product Introduction (NPI)

The posting, as Firestorm wrote it

Firestorm is building mission-adaptive UAV platforms designed for rapid deployment and scalable production. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, New Production Introduction (NPI) , you will support the transition of early designs into production-ready systems, helping scale from prototype builds to low-rate production.

This is a hands-on role where you will work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to develop manufacturing processes, tooling, and documentation. You will spend meaningful time on the production floor, learning by doing and contributing directly to how products are built. We are looking for someone who is curious, detail-oriented, and eager to grow. You enjoy being close to hardware, solving problems in real time, and building a strong foundation in manufacturing engineering within a fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Do

• Support DFM and DFA reviews by analyzing drawings and 3D models for manufacturability, flagging tolerance, material, or process concerns
• Develop and maintain clear, visual work instructions with step-by-step procedures and accept and reject criteria
• Assist in designing assembly fixtures and jigs with a focus on repeatability and error-proofing
• Spend significant time on the production floor supporting process setup, debugging, and hands-on problem solving
• Support First Article Inspection activities per AS9102, including balloon drawings and documentation
• Contribute to process FMEA and control plan development as part of the NPI team
• Help develop and execute test procedures for production acceptance and functional verification
• Collect and analyze manufacturing data such as cycle time, yield, and defects to support continuous improvement
• Assist with root cause analysis on manufacturing nonconformances using structured problem-solving methods
• Maintain ITAR and CUI compliance across manufacturing documentation and data
• Perform other duties as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or equivalent degree.
• '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
• 3+ years of working in a manufacturing or production engineering environment
• Experience scaling from prototype to first run production
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience with common manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, assembly, or composites
• Experience working with 2D and/or 3D CAD software
• Experience creating effective work instructions
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and/or operations teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the defense or aerospace industry.
• Experience with SolidWorks
• Exposure to aerospace or defense manufacturing standards such

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ance

• 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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.