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Senior Staff Airframe Design Engineer
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 145000 - 175000
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
3 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
30 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Department:
Job Summary
Who We Are
At Firestorm we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive too slow to produce and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that.
We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell -- our deployable microfactory -- our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable adaptable and producible at the point of need.
We are looking for builders operators and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.
About the Role
Firestorm is seeking a highly skilled Senior Staff Airframe Design Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in developing next-generation UAV systems. As a Senior Staff Airframe Design Engineer at Firestorm you will be responsible for the design and build efforts of critical flight structures and mechanisms within our product line. You will be given ownership for the hardware product lifecycle of the airframe. You will be responsible for the design analysis and oversight of manufacturing and validation of primary structure.
In this role you will play a pivotal role in developing mechanical components and subsystems that satisfy demanding criteria for performance manufacturability and cost. Your expertise will bridge advanced aerospace technology and practical engineering as you collaborate cross-functionally with electrical manufacturing and flight-test teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical and electromechanical order to be successful in this role you must be someone who is self-motivated adaptable and is able to lead your own projects to completion in a fast-paced environment. Ideally you have significantstructural airframe design experience and a proven track record completing collaborative projects effectively.
A successful candidate will have proven experience delivering high-performance mass-optimized hardware in rapid development environments with a strong foundation aircraft mechanical design. Proficiency in 3D CAD and first-order hand calculation methods will be key to driving innovative solutions that enhance our UAV platform capabilities. As an individual contributor you will directly influence the technical direction of your designs and help shape engineering best practices across projects. You will be engaged in all phases of the development lifecycle from early concepts and prototyping through rigorous testing and production in a fast-moving high-impact setting.
What Youll Do
- Lead mechanical design efforts for key UAV subsystems across the entire product lifecycle: concept prototyping testing production and field support.
- Develop innovative manufacturable airframe designs optimized for UAV flight performance under varying operational conditions ensuring structural dynamic thermal and functional requirements are met through rigorous analysis and validation.
- Analyze initial aerostructure designs against preliminary mass properties targets and strength and stiffness requirements.
- Create and maintain high-quality 3D CAD models detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks emphasizing GD&T principles to ensure precision and manufacturability.
- Lead the structural mechanical design of aircraft primary and secondary structures in the airframe from initial concept through production.
- Develop and champion innovative structural solutions to optimize weight cost and performance.
- Develop structural requirements specifications and test plans (DVP&R).
- Review of static & dynamic load inputs material properties and test results.
- Lead and oversee structural testing expertly analyze test data and take ownership of generating detailed test reports.
- Proactively investigate and resolve complex structural issues that arise during development and providing robust design solutions.
- Drive high-cadence iterative design and analysis cycles supporting rapid prototyping and cross-functional design reviews to incorporate test feedback promptly and continuously improve hardware through agile development processes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical engineers flight-test engineers and manufacturing teams to integrate complex mechanical and electromechanical systems including servos pumps sensors cameras PCBAs wiring harnesses and connectors.
- Own technical reviews and contribute to design and analysis decisions ensuring robust engineering practices and adherence to program requirements.
- Support rapid prototyping efforts with hands-on experience building functional prototypes in a shop environment iterating designs based on real-world results and test data.
- Troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical issues through root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
- Contribute to configuration management and documentation control maintaining clear versioning of CAD files assemblies and design revisions.
- Build and maintain engineering rigor by contributing to the development of company-wide best practices including CAD standards documentation protocols and hardware management processes. Write detailed build documentation and collaborate hands-on with technicians during hardware integration and assembly.
- Cultivate a high-performing design culture by mentoring junior and mid-level engineers leading technical design reviews and formalizing company-wide standards for airframe architecture.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
- 7 years of mechanical design experience working directly with aircraft design.
- Proven track record of taking complex mechanical assemblies from concept to production.
- Strong foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals; structures fluid systems thermal management and mechanisms.
- Hands-on design engineering experience with proven application of design-for-manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Demonstrated ability to perform structural modeling and analysis of mechanical components and assemblies.
- Proficiency in first-order structural analysis and hand calculations including free body diagrams statics and mechanics of materials.
- Experience in SolidWorks including surfacing top-down design and advanced modeling techniques plus strong knowledge of GD&T principles.
- Experience integrating mechanical designs with electrical systems including PCBAs wiring harnesses and electromechanical components such as servos and sensors.
- Direct application of DFM and designing for additive traditional and composite manufacturing methods including tooling and fixturing for composite assemblies.
- Demonstrated technical leadership with a proven track record of mentoring junior and mid-level engineers conducting rigorous design reviews and elevating the technical standards of a growing engineering organization.
- Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) and able to work on-site in San Diego.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7 years of professional mechanical design experience working directly with aircraft structural design.
- Background supporting the full hardware development lifecycle including design prototyping testing and production.
- Demonstrated skill in correlating analytical results with physical test data and applying findings to improve design performance.
- Familiarity with configuration management version control practices for CAD and engineering documentation control.
- Familiarity with designing injection-molded components or polymer-based additive manufacturing techniques.
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego CA
- This role requires an on-site presence
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE as required
- Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations
- Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed
Compensation
US Salary Range: $145000 - $175000 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 visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in November & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- FSA
- DCFSA
- 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.
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 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 or U.S. Department of Commerce.
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:
Staff IC
