Systems Engineering Opportunities, xCell

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Unlimited PTO

Generous Parental Leave

Lifestyle Spending Account

Mental Health Resources

Job summary

Firestorm is seeking experienced Systems Engineers in San Diego, California. You will focus on developing new variants of a fielded platform, ensuring high engineering rigor while collaborating closely with an expert team.

Ideal candidates will have at least 7 years of hands-on hardware development experience, a systems engineering mindset, and proficiency in CAD, preferably SolidWorks. This role requires U.S. citizenship due to security regulations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on hardware development experience from concept through production.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, preferably SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product development across xCell variants.
• Tackle sustaining engineering challenges on fielded systems.
• Elevate engineering rigor in a growing team.

Skills

Hardware development

Systems engineering mindset

Proficiency with CAD

Ability to close loops

Additive manufacturing

Education

7+ years of engineering experience

U.S. Citizenship

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Systems Engineering Opportunities, xCell

The Opportunity

These are not maintenance roles. We’re building new variants of a fielded platform, and we need engineers who want to own hard problems from first principles through production. You have at least a senior level engineering background with a focus in Mechanical and/or Systems Engineering, and you’ve worked on complex hardware platforms. You’ll work directly alongside experienced systems and mechanical engineers who have built hardware that has been fielded in real operational environments, and you’ll have the latitude to shape how we approach 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 isn’t the right place. If you want to build things that matter, that have a near term impact, be part of a team that acts both with urgency and rigor, and work with a tight team that holds a high bar, then we should talk.

What You’ll Own

• New product development across xCell variants — define the problem, run trade studies, establish constraints, iterate design, prototype, and drive to production
• Systems-level thinking across mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and software interfaces — xCell is an integrated system and we need engineers who see the whole picture
• Sustaining engineering on fielded xCell systems — when something breaks in the field or fails to deliver as advertised, you help drive solutions
• Elevating the engineering rigor of a talented, growing team — you’ll be a technical anchor, not just an individual contributor

What You Bring

• 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
• Systems engineering mindset — you can hold requirements, trade-offs, and interfaces in your head simultaneously
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and PLM tools

Extra’s You Bring

• Defense background — you understand the operational context your hardware will live in
• Additive manufacturing or metal machining experience
• High ownership mentality — you close loops, you don’t wait to be told, and you hold yourself and others to a high standard
• Ability to thrive in an environment where the answer isn’t always clear and speed matters

Why This Role, Why Now

xCell is at an inflection point. We have a fielded product, real customers, and an ambitious roadmap. The engineers who join now will define how we build the next generation of xCell — and they’ll do it on a team that takes the work seriously.

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.

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 vision 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.