Director of Manufacturing Engineering, NPI

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

9h•$186,000 - $213,000•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm Labs is seeking a strategic Director of Manufacturing Engineering to join our growing team in San Diego. At Firestorm Labs, we are building the future of distributed, mission-adaptive airpower for the modern warfighter. We are seeking an influential, highly analytical, and detail-oriented Director of Manufacturing Engineering with deep new product introduction experience to drive operational excellence across our development and production environments. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring successful product launch by partnering cross-functionally throughout the product lifecycle so that design, test, and quality can support aggressive production ramp goals. You will work closely with Production and Quality teams to analyze and optimize operations, improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency across additive manufacturing, assembly, and test operations. This role will build out NPI resources to ensure successful transition of Firestorm platforms into production; your work will be central to scaling Firestorm’s manufacturing capability and enabling mission success. This is a hands-on, technical leadership role where precision, discipline, and accountability are essential. The hardware you help deliver will take flight, and your contributions will directly influence the tactical readiness and operational performance of Firestorm platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Expertise in New Product Introduction and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes.
Proficiency with data analysis tools and industrial engineering software such as AutoCAD, simulation tools, and Excel.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.
Experience with Engineering Change processes from request through implementation.
Experience working with drawings and engineering or manufacturing Bills of Materials.
Proven track record applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste in manufacturing environments.
Basic CAD design experience with preference for floor layout and small tooling.
Experience in materials management including warehousing, transportation, and logistics.
Strong understanding of engineering concepts and principles with demonstrable practical application.
Ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts in a dynamic environment while meeting established timelines.
Self-directed and comfortable operating in fast-paced, cross-functional settings.
Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government acquisition regulations.
Ability to learn quickly, apply new concepts accurately, and manage evolving priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
Clear and professional communication with technical and non-technical users

Nice To Haves

12+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
Expertise in complex assembly methods and processes. Experience in aerospace, additive manufacturing, or automation is beneficial.
Experience with Costpoint ERP and Arena PLM.
Prior experience in an early-stage, high-growth tech or hardware startup environment.
Direct experience in additive manufacturing, automation and implementing production test environments, including in-process and end-of-line test coverage.
Ability to influence change and adapt processes as business needs evolve
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, fast-paced operations in a dynamic environment

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional collaboration for New Product Introduction activities to ensure smooth transition to Low-Rate Initial Production and subsequent production ramp.
Identify resource needs across people, process, structure, and systems, and build the team and infrastructure required for successful NPI execution.
Maintain awareness of project milestones and partner with Program Management to ensure NPI activities stay aligned to scope, budget, and schedule.
Analyze current engineering and production processes, workflows, and facility layouts to identify opportunities for improved NPI flows and production process enhancements.
Evaluate current test processes and coordinate with Engineering and Software teams to implement scalable production-grade test coverage and methods.
Develop and implement process improvements that reduce costs, increase throughput, and enhance quality and safety.
Conduct time and motion studies to establish standard work procedures and optimize labor efficiency.
Design and optimize systems by identifying opportunities for automation and integrating workers, machines, materials, information, and energy.
Analyze production volumes and develop scalable planning models that optimize inventory control, logistics, and supply chain operations.
Drive continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and related methodologies.
Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Logistics to ensure process alignment and support operational goals.
Develop and maintain documentation for procedures, process flows, and work instructions.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators to measure performance and support data-driven decision making.

Benefits

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.