Principal Airframe Design Engineer

Roboticsconnected; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 153,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) retirement plan

Equity grants for new hires

Unlimited PTO

Holiday calendar including November/De

Job summary

Firestorm, based in San Diego, is hiring a Principal Airframe Design Engineer to own the hardware lifecycle of airframe structures for UAV systems. The role requires a strong background in mechanical/aerospace design, with 10+ years experience, SolidWorks, DFM, and cross‑functional collaboration.

On-site work in San Diego is required; U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance are prerequisites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of mechanical design experience, working directly withaircraftdesign.
• Proven track record of taking complex mechanical assemblies from concept to production.
• Strong foundationin 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.
• Proficiencyin 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 proventrack recordof mentoring junior and mid‑level engineers, conducting rigorous design reviews, and elevating the technical standards of a growing engineering organization.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design efforts for UAV subsystems across the entire product lifecycle: concept, prototyping, testing, production, and field support.
• Develop innovative, manufacturable airframe designsoptimizedfor UAV flight performance under varying operational conditions, ensuring structural, dynamic,thermaland functional requirements are met through rigorous analysis and validation.
• Analyze initial aerostructure designs against preliminary mass properties targets and strength and stiffness requirements.
• Create andmaintainhigh-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 ofaircraftprimary and secondary structures in the airframe, frominitialconcept through production.
• Develop and champion innovative structural solutions tooptimize weight, cost, and performance.
• Develop structural requirements, specifications, and test plans (DVP&R).
• Review of static & dynamic load inputs, materialpropertiesand 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 andprovidingrobust 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.
• Owntechnical 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,maintainingclear versioning of CAD files, assemblies, and design revisions.
• Build andmaintainengineering rigor by contributing to the development of company‑wide bestpractices, 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.

Skills

Mechanical design

Aerospace integration

DFM

SolidWorks

GD&T

PCBAs integration

Wiring harnesses

Team mentoring

Engineering leadership

Structural analysis

First-order analysis

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

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 isseekinga highly skilled Principal Airframe Design Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in developing next‑generation UAV systems. AsanPrincipal Airframe Design Engineer at Firestorm, you willbe responsible forthe designand 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 willbe responsible forthe 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. Yourexpertisewill 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 systems.In order tobe successful in this role, you mustbe someone who isself‑motivated, adaptable and isable to lead yourown projects to completion in a fast‑paced environment. Ideally, you have significantstructural airframe design experience and a proventrack recordcompleting collaborative projects effectively.

A successful candidate will have proven experience delivering high-performance, mass‑optimized hardware in rapid development environments, witha strong foundationaircraftmechanical design.Proficiencyin 3D CADandfirst‑order hand calculation methods will be keyto 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 You’ll 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 designsoptimizedfor UAV flight performance under varying operational conditions, ensuring structural, dynamic,thermaland functional requirements are met through rigorous analysis and validation.
• Analyze initial aerostructure designs against preliminary mass properties targets and strength and stiffness requirements.
• Create andmaintainhigh-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 ofaircraftprimary and secondary structures in the airframe, frominitialconcept through production.
• Develop and champion innovative structural solutions tooptimize weight, cost, and performance.
• Develop structural requirements, specifications, and test plans (DVP&R).
• Review of static & dynamic load inputs, materialpropertiesand 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 andprovidingrobust 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.
• Owntechnical 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,maintainingclear versioning of CAD files, assemblies, and design revisions.
• Build andmaintainengineering rigor by contributing to the development of company‑wide bestpractices, 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of mechanical design experience, working directly withaircraftdesign.
• Proventrack recordof taking complex mechanical assemblies from concept to production.
• Strong foundationin 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.
• Proficiencyin 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 proventrack recordof mentoring junior and mid‑level engineers, conducting rigorous design reviews, and elevating the technical standards of a growing engineering organization.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+yearsof professional mechanical design experience, working directly withaircraftstructural 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: $153,000 - $206,000 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

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