Manager, Mechanical Design Engineering
Firestorm
Design
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 145k-185k / year
Posted on May 31, 2025
Manager, Mechanical Design Engineering
San Diego, CA
Engineering
In office
Full-time
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 is seeking a skilled Manager of Mechanical Design Engineering to join our team onsite at our San Diego office. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role will play a critical role in transitioning UAV platforms from R&D to production. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader with both deep technical expertise, and a passion for mentoring others in a fast-paced, innovative environment. In this leadership position, you will not only drive technical excellence but also lead and mentor a growing team of mechanical engineers.
Your team will focus on refining and adapting vehicle designs for mass additive manufacturing, supporting platform integrations, and developing essential test hardware such as engine test stands, static loading test fixtures, and assembly fixtures. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Flight Testing, to ensure seamless project execution.
Success in this role means more than just technical execution. You take initiative to drive solutions end-to-end—even across organizational boundaries—and thrive in ambiguity, balancing short-term wins with long-term maintainability. You enjoy mentoring teammates, translating complexity into clarity, and staying hands-on as you lead by example. You value diverse perspectives, elevate team success above individual credit, and remain calm under pressure or tight deadlines. Above all, you’re curious and advocate for best practices, creating structure in fast-moving environments and building teams that last.
What You’ll Do
- Drive mechanical design and development projects from initial concept through prototyping, production, and field support, while empowering your team to contribute effectively at each stage.
- Lead and grow a high-performing mechanical design engineering team, balancing hands-on technical contributions with strategic leadership responsibilities.
- Drive team structure and hiring strategies, participate in performance management, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation.
- Set and influence the team’s technical direction, ensuring robust mechanical design practices and high-quality product execution.
- Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers through all phases of design—from concept to production—while supporting their technical growth and career development.
- Assist in project scheduling, resource planning, and coordination to meet critical milestones for both development and production phases.
- Facilitate close collaboration with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Flight Testing, and other cross-disciplinary teams to ensure alignment on design goals, requirements, and timelines.
- Ensure adherence to configuration management practices for documentation control, including proper management of CAD files, assembly drawings, and design revisions.
- Ensure the creation and maintenance of high-quality 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation with attention to detail.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing teams to refine and improve production processes, ensuring efficient and high-quality output for both prototypes and serial production.
- Take ownership of prototyping, testing, and iteration of mechanical systems, ensuring designs are validated through hands-on testing and real-world applications.
- Use hand calculations, physical testing of prototypes and FEA to validate and optimize mechanical designs across a range of loading and performance conditions.
- Conduct root cause investigations for mechanical or electromechanical failures, implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Support the design and validation of components using a wide range of manufacturing techniques, with an emphasis on additive manufacturing.
- Support critical testing events, demonstrations, and customer-facing presentations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
- 8+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience in engineered goods, with proven experience from initial product requirements to final design.
- At least 3 years of leadership experience.
- Proven experience in project and technical leadership, including overseeing multiple design projects simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, thermal, and mechanisms.
- Experience with PCBAs and electrical wiring, including the design and integration of printed circuit boards and power systems.
- Expert skills in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and the ability to create accurate, easy-to-interpret engineering models and technical data packages. Strong aptitude for surfacing and top-down modeling.
- Extensive experience with additive manufacturing technologies and designing for mass production using both additive and industrial manufacturing techniques.
- Strong Design for Manufacturability (DFM) knowledge.
- Experienced in designing fluid systems, specifying and integrating pumps, valves, plumbing, connectors, etc.
- Must be a U.S. Person due to the nature of work & required access to U.S. export-controlled information
- Work on site at our San Diego headquarters
- Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest or experience in aircraft design and aeronautics, with specific knowledge of UAV platforms (helicopters, quads, fixed-wing).
- Hands-on experience with UAV systems, including piloting, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Basic knowledge of electrical wiring practices and power systems (AC/DC).
- Familiarity with common communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet/IP, Serial).
- Experience in configuration management and documentation control, including the organization of CAD files and assembly drawings.
- Knowledge of designing injection-molded parts, or equivalent experience with polymer-based additive manufacturing technologies, and proficiency in either or both.
Work Environment
This role is onsite at our San Diego headquarters.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $145,000 - $185,000 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
- Unlimited PTO
- 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: 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.
ITAR Compliance
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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.
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.
Req ID: R30