Manufacturing Technician & Handler

Cubit Capital; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Medical, dental & visions plans

Unlimited PTO

Holiday calendar

Parental leave

Job summary

Firestorm in San Diego is seeking a Manufacturing Technician Handler to support the xCell system build and material handling, reporting to the Manufacturing Operations Manager. This on-site role blends manufacturing and inventory duties to ensure high-quality output for engineering and operations teams.

You will assemble, install, and test equipment, read blueprints, and manage materials in a fast-paced defense-focused environment. Eligible candidates must meet ITAR and security requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR compliance.
• 2+ years in manufacturing or mechanical environments.
• 1+ years receiving, shipping, and inventory experience.
• Experience with pneumatic/hand tools and reading blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Assist with manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of equipment in new xCell builds.
• Install critical components and related furnishings and tools.
• Inspect parts during production for dimensional and quality standards.
• Use post-processing tools to prepare parts for mission-critical use.
• Read drawings and blueprints to aid system builds.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Tools handling

Inventory control

U.S. Citizenship

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Pneumatic tools

Hand tools

ERP software

Job description

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.

Manufacturing Technician & Handler
Firestorm
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 28-32 / hour + Equity
Manufacturing Technician & Handler
San Diego, CA
xCell
In office
Full-time

Firestorm is seeking a highly capable Manufacturing Technician Handler to support the build of the xCell system—a rapid, deployable manufacturing lab used to produce mission-critical components, including modular unmanned aerial systems (MUAS), in forward environments. Reporting to the Manufacturing Operations Manager you’ll be working in a hybrid capacity responsible for assembly and manufacturing of the xCell system to ensure high-quality output in support of both engineering and operational needs. In addition, you will support material handling responsibilities.

What You’ll Do

Manufacturing Technician

• Assist with the manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of equipment in new xCell builds and deployments.
• Install critical components in the xCell including HP 3D printers, Processing stations, build units, and all supporting furnishings, tools, and equipment.
• Inspect parts during and after production to ensure compliance with dimensional, functional, and quality standards.
• Utilize post-processing tools such as media blasters, drill presses, and hand tools to prepare parts for mission-critical use.
• Read and follow detailed drawings, blueprints, diagrams that will assist you in the system build

Material Handler

• Receive, inspect, and organize incoming materials and components.
• Maintain accurate inventory counts and storage locations within the warehouse or production area.
• Compile records concerning quantity, cost, and type of material received, shipped, and/or in stock inventory.
• Support material kitting, stock replenishment, and basic cycle counts.
• Perform data entry for inventory transactions and ensure accurate logs in ERP or tracking systems.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing or mechanical job shop environments.
• 1+ years of receiving, shipping, and/or inventory experience
• Experience with pneumatic and/or hand tools
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings and/or diagrams
• Experience supporting material kitting, stock replenishment, and/or basic cycle counts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-tech, aerospace, or DoD-related manufacturing environments, including prior work in the military or with spacecraft, aircraft, or related systems.
• Familiarity with nylon-based powder AM technologies (e.g., SLS, MJF).
• Experience with expeditionary manufacturing systems or containerized mobile platforms.
• Prior hands-on experience with kit, model, or experimental aircraft builds or familiarity with aircraft component assemblies.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, part traceability, and quality control practices.
• Forklift certification or material handling equipment experience.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and 5S workplace organization.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments.
• Experience complying with the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) Part 52.244 and the Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulation Supplement (DFARS) part 252.244-7001

Work Environment

• The position is working on-site at our San Diego, CA Headquarters
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and work in confined, elevated, or austere conditions.
• May be required to work overtime and occasional weekend work, to meet production or deployment timelines.
• Work may include exposure to dust, heat, vibration, or loud noise, and will require the use of PPE.
• Frequently push, pull, and maneuver carts loaded with materials or parts
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. independently on a regular basis
• Regular bending, squatting, reaching, and twisting while staging, retrieving, or transporting materials
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for labeling, organization, and inventory tracking
• Must be able to operate material handling equipment (e.g., pallet jacks, hand trucks) safely and effectively
• Work in a fast-paced environment with frequent transitions between workstations
• Exposure to moderate noise, temperature variation, and typical shop-floor conditions
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as required
• Occasional travel (up to 10%) to vendors, test sites, or field locations may be necessary

Why This Role, Why Now

xCell only matters if it makes what the warfighter needs, where they need it — and someone has to own the part that turns a capable machine into a reliable one in the field. That's this role. The engineers who join now will define how we qualify, deploy, and scale what xCell can produce, and they'll do it on a team that takes the work seriously and moves with urgency. If you want real responsibility and near-term impact on a fielded defense platform, let's talk.

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. We're roughly 150 people, headquartered in San Diego, and we're past concept — xCell systems are in the field in both OCONUS and CONUS today and our development pipeline is aggressive.

Compensation

• Base Hourly Wage: $28.00 - $32.00 an hour, commensurate with experience

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 growth. In 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 don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [e-mail] so we can provide the support you need.