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

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and motivated Applications Engineering Manager to lead xCell’s expanding Applications Engineering team. This people manager role specializes in additive manufacturing, post operations and box builds, with a focus on industrial polymer additive manufacturing. You will oversee a diverse team tackling complex DFAM engineering challenges across polymer and metal applications, working closely with customers and cross-functional teams.

What You’ll Do

Build, develop, and lead the day-to-day activities of the Applications Engineering team.
Manage escalations from the team and customers, providing timely resolution and support.
Ensure designs are optimized and compatible with Firestorm’s xCell manufacturing process.
Develop and maintain workflows and release environments in collaborative platforms (e.g., SharePoint, ARENA, Jira).
Partner with customers to deeply understand their needs, engineering challenges, and problem sets.
Lead project management efforts for applications engineering initiatives in partnership with the Business Development team.
Maintain accurate documentation of customer & team interactions, project progress, and outcomes.
Research and advocate for advanced manufacturing processes, software, tools, and equipment to support customer missions.
Collaborate with customers to develop achievable additive manufacturing solutions for design concepts, prototypes, and production parts.
Evaluate throughput, cost, material usage, and other metrics to provide performance estimates and reports.
Provide technical design recommendations and approve designs for lifecycle release.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance applications engineering processes and team efficiency.
Mentor and develop team members’ skills to build a high-performing and engaged team.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related field
Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing applications engineering
At least 2 years of experience managing applications engineering teams
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, SAP, etc.) & and PLM systems (e.g., Arena) to support product development and manufacturing workflows
Proficient technical writing skills for documenting systems, procedures, and troubleshooting guides
Strong CAD skills (e.g., SolidWorks) with working knowledge of design guidelines for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering and field operations teams
Analytical mindset and ability to thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments
Experience in reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and precision measurement equipment
Proficient in analyzing production and engineering data to inform decisions and optimize performance
Strong leadership presence, communication skills, and ability to motivate and align teams
Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment, and organize work assignments to meet established timetables
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

8+ years of experience in additive manufacturing applications engineering
3+ years of experience managing an applications engineering team
Experience designing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) using MJF or similar AM technologies
Familiarity with military standards and specifications, including MIL-STD-810
Knowledge of Department of Defense standards, acquisition requirements, and UAS operational protocols
Proven success working with defense contractors, government agencies, or active-duty military personnel
Understanding of FAA regulatory frameworks and airworthiness certification processes for unmanned aerial systems

Work Environment

Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
This role requires daily on-site presence
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to support offsite deployments
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required]
Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally for field operations, integration events, customer support and testing

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

Compensation

US Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 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 visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Equity grants for new hires
Unlimited PTO
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & 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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.