Manager, Mechanical Design Engineering

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