Jobs and Careers
FI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Firestorm
San Diego, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 20 Feb 2026
💰 $178,000/yr($132,000/yr$178,000/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 Mechanical/Electrical 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 Mechanical/Electrical 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).
  • 5–8 years of experience in mechanical and/or 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.
  • 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, and applicable labor regulations.
 Compensation 

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

Firestorm

View company profile →