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Senior Systems Engineer, Metal Manufacturing

Firestorm

Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 145000 - 160000

Posted: 2 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 29 September 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Firestorm is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer Metal Manufacturing who will be part of a team that will building new variants of a fielded platform including a metal manufacturing capability that doesnt exist anywhere else in this form and we need an engineer who wants to own hard problems from first principles through production (this is not a maintenance role).You have a senior engineering background with deep hands-on experience in metal additive and subtractive manufacturing and youve taken complex hardware from concept to fielded product.

Youll work as a senior individual contributor with real autonomy but you also understand the value of input from your teammates. Youll shape how we approach metal manufacturing engineering challenges at a company that is still early enough for your fingerprints to matter. If you want to spend your time in a large program office working minutiae and moving PowerPoints this isnt the right place. If you want to build things that matter that have near term impact and work with a tight team that acts with both urgency and rigor we should talk.

What Youll Own

Metal manufacturing development guide the engineering effort to define develop prototype and productionize xCells metal manufacturing capability; drive the process from trade studies through fielded solution
Process definition establish the manufacturing processes parameters and quality criteria that will govern metal part production in a deployed environment; you know what good looks like and can define it for others
New product development define the problem run trade studies establish constraints iterate design prototype and drive to production across metal manufacturing variants
Systems-level thinking xCell is an integrated system and the metal manufacturing capability has to work within it; you see the whole picture across mechanical electrical manufacturing and software interfaces
Post-processing and finishing own the full part journey from raw feedstock through final part including CNC machining finishing operations and inspection; you understand that additive is only part of the story
Sustaining engineering when something breaks in the field or fails to deliver as advertised you help drive solutions with the xCell engineering team
Technical leadership youll be a senior anchor on a talented growing team; you elevate the engineers around you without being asked to

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Mechanical Industrial Engineering or related lieu of a degree 10 years of progressive relative experience in the engineering field.
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
7 years of hands-on hardware development experience concept through production not just analysis
Deep experience in metal additive manufacturing strong powder bed fusion background considered if other attributes are compelling
Hands-on CNC machining experience you understand the subtractive side of the equation and how it integrates with additive processes to get to a final part
Systems engineering mindset you can hold requirements tradeoffs and interfaces in your head simultaneously
Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and PLM tools

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with directed energy deposition (DED) wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) or cold spray experience
Experience in defense aerospace naval medical or automotive applications we care more about the depth of your metal manufacturing experience than the sector it came from
High ownership mentality you close loops you dont wait to be told and you hold yourself and others to a high standard
Additional metal forming cutting or finishing process experience beyond CNC
Familiarity with metal part qualification and inspection in regulated or defense environments
Experience defining and documenting manufacturing processes from scratch

About Firestorm

Firestorm is a defense technology company solving one of the hardest logistics problems in modern warfare how do you manufacture what you need when you need it and where you need it without support from traditional supply chains Our answer is xCell: containerized deployable manufacturing units built around advanced additive and traditional manufacturing that go where warfighters go. Were roughly 150 people headquartered in San Diego and were past concept xCell systems are in the field in both OCONUS and CONUS today and our development pipeline is aggressive.

Why This Role Why Now

xCell is at an inflection point. We have a fielded product real customers and an ambitious roadmap that includes metal manufacturing capabilities that will push the boundaries of whats possible in a deployed environment. The engineer who takes this role will define how we get there with the autonomy to shape the approach and a team behind them that takes the work seriously. Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.

Work Environment

Based onsite at our San Diego CA. Headquarters
We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Travel up to 10% customer sites and events

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise heat cold dust or chemicals (with PPE). The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit stand bend reach climb and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Compensation

Base salary: $145000 - $160000 base commensurate with experience
Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

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 July & 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:

Senior IC

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