Senior Operations Liaison

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Job summary

Firestorm in San Diego seeks a Senior Operations Liaison to lead engineering–manufacturing integration and own production readiness across programs. You will drive cross-functional issue resolution and ensure on-time delivery to defense customers.

You will mentor junior liaisons and help set processes for the Program Office, collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, and program teams in a fast-growing startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial) or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production management, or engineering integration in aerospace or defense.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams through production ramp or rate production.
• Strong understanding of configuration management, engineering change processes, and production planning.
• Experience supporting defense programs, including FAI, acceptance testing, and DD250 or WAWF delivery processes.
• Excellent communication skills, including briefing leadership and customers.
• U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering–manufacturing integration across multiple programs and production lines.
• Own production readiness assessments ahead of key milestones, deliveries, and customer events.
• Lead production prioritization and line-loading recommendations to program and executive leadership, balancing delivery commitments, capacity, and engineering changes.
• Drive resolution of complex cross-functional issues, and elevate with options and recommendations.
• Assess the cost, schedule, and delivery impact of engineering changes (ECPs/ECOs) and support change board decisions.
• Lead or support manufacturing readiness reviews (MRRs), production readiness reviews (PRRs), FAI, and customer acceptance events.
• Partner with supply chain to identify and mitigate part shortages and supplier risks affecting production.
• Establish and improve processes, metrics, and tools for engineering–manufacturing coordination.
• Mentor and guide Engineering–Manufacturing Liaisons and support program managers on production matters.
• Represent production status and risks in customer program reviews when needed.

Skills

7+ years aerospace/defense experience

Cross-functional leadership

Config mgmt / ECPs

Defense program experience

Communication skills

US citizenship / ITAR

Security clearance (preferred)

UAS/aircraft production

MRLs / DoD milestones

Lean Six Sigma

AS9100 / ERP / PLM

Startup/rapid-scaling experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Senior Operations Liaison

San Diego, CA

Program Management

In office

Full-time

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

The Senior Operations Liaison leads integration between Engineering, Manufacturing, and the Program Office across multiple programs. This role owns production readiness from the program perspective. It drives resolution of cross-functional issues, leads production prioritization discussions, and makes sure engineering changes and manufacturing capacity support on-time delivery to defense customers. The Senior Liaison also mentors junior liaisons and helps set the processes used across the Program Office.

What You'll Do

• Lead engineering–manufacturing integration across multiple programs and production lines
• Own production readiness assessments ahead of key milestones, deliveries, and customer events
• Lead production prioritization and line-loading recommendations to program and executive leadership, balancing delivery commitments, capacity, and engineering changes
• Drive resolution of complex cross-functional issues, and elevate with options and recommendations
• Assess the cost, schedule, and delivery impact of engineering changes (ECPs/ECOs) and support change board decisions
• Lead or support manufacturing readiness reviews (MRRs), production readiness reviews (PRRs), FAI, and customer acceptance events
• Partner with supply chain to identify and mitigate part shortages and supplier risks affecting production
• Establish and improve processes, metrics, and tools for engineering–manufacturing coordination
• Mentor and guide Engineering–Manufacturing Liaisons and support program managers on production matters
• Represent production status and risks in customer program reviews when needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial) or related field
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production management, or engineering integration in aerospace or defense
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams through production ramp or rate production
• Strong understanding of configuration management, engineering change processes, and production planning
• Experience supporting defense programs, including FAI, acceptance testing, and DD250 or WAWF delivery processes
• Excellent communication skills, including briefing leadership and customers
• U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance preferred but not required
• Experience with UAS or aircraft production
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) and DoD acquisition milestones
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt preferred
• Experience with AS9100, ERP/MRP, and PLM systems
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling production environment

Work Environment

Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate

Compensation

US Salary Range: $141,000 - $167,000 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

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 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.