Senior Industrial Engineer

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
At Firestorm Labs, we are building the future of distributed, mission-adaptive airpower for the modern warfighter. We are seeking a highly analytical, detail-oriented Industrial Engineer to join our team and drive operational excellence. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing and optimizing operations, improving processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency across our additive manufacturing, assembly, and test operations. Your work will play a crucial role in developing strategies to scale Firestorm’s production capacity and ensure mission success.
This is a hands-on, technical position where precision, discipline, and accountability are paramount. The hardware you help create will take flight, and your contributions will directly influence the tactical readiness and operational success of Firestorm’s platforms. What You’ll Do

• Analyze current engineering or production processes, workflow, and facility layout to identify opportunities for new product introduction flows and production process improvements.
• Develop and implement process improvements to reduce costs, increase throughput, and enhance quality and safety.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish standard work procedures and optimize labor efficiency.
• Design and optimize systems, identifying opportunities for automation and integrating workers, machines, materials, information, and energy.
• Analyze production volumes to create scalable plans and optimize inventory control, logistics, and supply chain operations.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, engineering, and logistics, to ensure process alignment and support operational goals.
• Assist in developing and maintaining comprehensive documentation for procedures, process flows, and work instructions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track performance and generate reports that support data-driven decision-making.

 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing, or process improvement.
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes.
• Proficient with data analysis tools and industrial engineering software, such as AutoCAD, simulation tools, and Excel.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.
• Experienced with Engineering Change processes, from requests through to implementation.
• Background in project management and familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
• Experience with drawings and engineering/manufacturing Bill of Materials (BOM) is required.
• Proven track record with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies for waste reduction in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic CAD design experience, with a preference for floor layout and small tooling.
• Experience in materials management (i.e., warehousing, transportation, logistics)
• A solid understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theories with technical experience demonstrating their practical application.
• Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in a dynamic environment, while organizing work to meet established timelines.
• Self-directed and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Strong communication skills and accountability in team-based settings.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and standing for extended periods in a hands-on environment.
• U.S. Person status (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required due to ITAR regulations.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a re