About the Role

Firestorm is seeking a senior engineering leader to own the system-level architecture and platform standards for the xCell deployable manufacturing system. This role defines the technical envelope, modular interface standards, and architectural guardrails that govern platform development, ensuring each variant is structurally intentional, scalable, and aligned with the realities of deployable and expeditionary environments.

Reporting to the VP/GM, xCell, this role partners closely with the Product Manager, Expeditionary Manufacturing and the Director of Engineering, xCell. You will translate product intent into disciplined system architecture, guide engineering within clearly defined architectural boundaries, and ensure consistent adherence to platform standards as the system scales. The core focus of this role is establishing the modular interface standards, structural envelope, and utility architecture that enable xCell to evolve across variants and mission sets. You will ensure near-term design decisions lay the foundation for future capacity expansion, configurability, and integration of advanced manufacturing technologies as the platform matures.

The person in this role requires a platform-first mindset, strong technical judgment, and the ability to make principled trade-offs in complex, constraint-driven environments. As a leader, you will play a critical role in shaping xCell into a scalable, configurable manufacturing platform capable of supporting diverse mission applications.

What You'll Do

• Define and maintain the system architecture for xCell, including structural chassis, utility backbone, and modular interface standards
• Establish interface standards across mechanical, power, data, thermal, and environmental systems to enable equipment interchangeability without bespoke integration
• Own platform-level constraints across all variants, including weight, dimensions, power, thermal capacity, transport, deployment, and structural performance
• Ensure compatibility and consistency across configurations in alignment with a modular platform strategy
• Define the architectural framework for integrating automation and robotics, including structural provisions, utilities, and load considerations
• Ensure current designs preserve future automation integration and avoid costly retrofits
• Develop and maintain roadmaps for integrating advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics technologies
• Lead system-level trade studies for new variants and mission applications and determine when to extend existing architecture or establish new architectural branches
• Document and communicate trade-offs, risks, and system impacts to support executive and engineering decision-making
• Partner with Product Management to translate customer requirements into architectural implications and feasibility assessments
• Provide clear trade-offs when requirements challenge platform constraints, scalability, or modularity
• Define architectural boundaries for Engineering and ensure alignment through system reviews including SRR, PDR, and CDR
• Escalate major deviations from architectural standards and support resolution
• Evaluate make versus buy decisions for structural manufacturing as production scales
• Serve as the architecture lead with external partners including military, OEMs, and research institutions while maintaining platform integrity and IP ownership

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical or systems engineering for complex physical systems
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• Strong background in modular interface definition, utility architecture, or flexible manufacturing systems
• Experience with flexible or configurable manufacturing systems in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional trade studies and make sound technical decisions under ambiguity
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in automation and robotics integration at the system or work-cell level
• Hands-on work with deployable systems such as shelters, mobile laboratories, or field-deployable equipment
• Working knowledge of relevant standards such as MIL-STD-810 or ISO containerization
• Track record of defining modular or configurable platform architectures rather than one-off designs
• Demonstrated ability in designing systems for deployable, field-based, or expeditionary environments with constraints on transport, setup, power, and environment
• Involvement in make vs. buy decisions at the platform level
• Exposure to government, depot, or co-development programs

Work Environment

• This role is based 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.

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Compensation

U.S. Range: $188,000 - $224,000

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.