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Senior Manufacturing Specialist
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 130000 - 145000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
1 October 2026 (19 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
29 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Department:
Job Summary
Who We Are
At Firestorm were on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressorsregardless of their defense budgetthrough innovative cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision democratized deterrence. As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley were pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness were 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
Every aircraft program has a gap between what engineering releases and what a technician can actually build. This role exists to close it.
As a Senior Manufacturing Specialist you are the connective tissue between design engineering and the shop floor. Youll take released CAD drawings and BOMs and turn them into work that a technician can execute the same way twice routings travelers manufacturing BOMs and step-level work instructions backed by the tooling and fixtures needed to hold tolerance at rate. Then youll stand at the bench during the first builds and find out where you got it wrong.
This is a builders job not a desk job. Youll spend real time on the floor with a torque driver in your hand. Youll also spend real time redlining documentation arguing a manufacturability issue back to a design engineer and laying out a cell that flows. We are looking for two decades of aircraft manufacturing judgment the kind you get from building airplanes not from a classroom. No degree is required for this role.
Youll work across the full arc of a product: new aircraft coming out of development first articles engineering builds and platforms already running at rate. The processes you write and the tooling you build here are what we package and stand up at our forward production sites so the work travels well beyond San Diego.
What Youll Do
Turn released engineering data into production-ready manufacturing planning: work orders routings and travelers manufacturing BOMs and detailed work instructions.
Author and maintain step-level work instructions in our digital work instruction system linked to CAD and keep them current as the configuration moves.
Interpret and enforce aerospace specifications governing manufacturing processes engineering requirements and quality systems; verify the build conforms to what the spec actually calls for.
Plan and support first article and engineering builds. Work the bench alongside technicians capture every deviation and drive redlines and change actions to closure.
Design source build and prove out tooling jigs fixtures and gages from identifying the need through shop acceptance and first use.
Perform hands-on aircraft assembly and integration: bonded and fastened composite and metallic structure finishing propulsion installation and mechanical/electrical integration.
Lay out and optimize work cells. Sequence standard work balance stations against a target rate and eliminate the motion waiting and rework nobody has gotten around to fixing.
Own the manufacturing side of new product introduction take a platform from design through NPI verification and into full rate production without dropping the process detail on the way.
Partner with Quality on inspection methods buy-off points first article inspection and nonconformance disposition. Build inspection requirements into the plan rather than bolting them on after.
Train technicians to the documented method and confirm they can execute it. Where the method is wrong fix the method.
Feed manufacturability and producibility findings back to design engineering with specific actionable recommendations not a list of complaints.
Package process tooling and documentation so a build can be stood up at a second site with training and setup only no re-engineering.
Support estimating and capacity work: touch labor content scrap and yield tooling requirements and floor space for new and existing platforms.
Uphold 5S FOD and ESD control and shop safety protocols daily and hold others to the same standard.
Qualifications
15 years of hands-on aircraft manufacturing experience covering mechanical assembly adhesive bonding fastening finishing and systems integration.
Demonstrated experience creating manufacturing process documentation: work orders routings and travelers manufacturing BOMs and work instructions that technicians actually use.
Working knowledge of AS9100 and of QA inspection standards techniques and documentation.
Proven ability to read interpret and apply aerospace specifications governing manufacturing processes engineering requirements and quality systems.
Experience carrying a product from design through a new product introduction process and into full rate production.
Practical command of lean principles including work cell layout standard work and line balancing.
Experience with the design fabrication and use of tools jigs fixtures and gages.
Fluent with engineering drawings GD&T exploded views wiring diagrams and released BOM structures.
Comfortable working in the gap between engineering and production and able to hold a technical position with engineers while staying credible with technicians.
Capable of lifting up to 5075 lbs standing for extended periods and working in a shop environment with appropriate PPE.
U.S. Person status (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required due to ITAR regulations.
A degree is not required. We are hiring for what you have built.
Preferred Qualifications
Composite structures experience: layup bonding trimming and the tooling that goes with it.
UAV experimental aircraft or low-volume/high-mix aerospace production experience.
Experience in a company transitioning from prototype builds to rate production.
Familiarity with PLM and ERP/MRP systems and the handoff between them (we run Arena and Unanet).
Exposure to digital work instruction platforms.
Experience with additive manufacturing and CNC machining workflows including post-processing.
Formal lean or continuous improvement training or a record of leading kaizen events.
Experience supporting a second production site a transferred line or a deployable manufacturing capability.
CAD proficiency sufficient to model and detail tooling.
Work Environment
Based at our Headquarters in San Diego CA.
This role is manufacturing-focused and requires daily on-site presence; remote work is not applicable.
Must be able to stand for extended periods lift up to 5075 lbs and wear appropriate PPE.
Exposure to power tools adhesives and resins metal powders high-temperature components and 3D printing equipment.
PPE is required and provided; adherence to all safety protocols and environmental controls is mandatory.
Occasional travel (up to 15%) to partner sites test sites vendor facilities or forward production locations including international travel.
Compensation
US Base Salary Range: $130000 - $145000 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 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 vision plans
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 December
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 dont hesitate to reach out to us at so we can provide the support you need.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
