Jobs and Careers

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 24 Mar 2026

💰 $182,000/yr($132,000/yr – $182,000/yr)

About the role

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 Senior Mechanical Engineer to provide hands-on technical support for the design, integration, and sustainment of xCell systems. This individual will work directly with the Director of Expeditionary Manufacturing and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure xCell units operate reliably, safely, and efficiently across all deployment environments. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will contribute to the design, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical subsystems, including power distribution, HVAC, environmental controls, and structural assemblies. This role combines practical shop-floor engagement with disciplined engineering analysis, ensuring xCell systems are built, tested, and maintained to the highest technical standards. What You’ll Do

Provide hands-on support for the installation, integration, and maintenance of xCell mechanical and electrical systems.
Design, document, and validate mechanical and electrical subsystems, including wiring, power distribution, cooling, and structural components.
Support build and integration activities by working closely with technicians, suppliers, and engineers.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for mechanical or electrical issues identified during build or deployment.
Develop and update engineering documentation, including drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and system layout models.
Assist with test planning and execution for verification and validation (V&V) of mechanical and electrical subsystems.
Evaluate design improvements and field feedback for incorporation into future xCell iterations.
Ensure all mechanical and electrical systems comply with applicable codes, standards, and safety requirements.
Support on-site setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting during xCell deployments as required.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or related field).
6+ years of progressive experience in mechanical and electrical system design, integration, or testing.
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Hands-on experience with power distribution, HVAC systems, or industrial controls.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
Strong troubleshooting skills and familiarity with system-level integration in manufacturing or industrial environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working on deployable or containerized systems.
8 years of progressive experience in mechanical and/or electrical system design, integration, or testing.
Familiarity with environmental control systems, compressors, or industrial power equipment.
Understanding of additive manufacturing or advanced fabrication systems.
Exposure to defense or aerospace programs requiring system-level integration and documentation.
PMP certification, MBA, or Engineering Management credentials a plus.

Work Environment

Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and perform physical work associated with integration and test activities.
Travel up to 30% (domestic and international) to support supplier visits, deployments, and field operations.
Ability to understand and adhere to all company policies, safety standards, an