Manufacturing Technician & Handler

About the Role

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 work 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. You will also support material handling responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• 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, and diagrams to assist in system builds.
• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations and 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

• Position is 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

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.

Pay

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Equity grants for new hires.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July and December.
• Generous Parental Leave.
• Lifestyle Spending Account.
• FSA, DCFSA, and HSA options.
• 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: Free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available.