Director, Platform Architecture, Expeditionary Manufacturing

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

3d•$188,000 - $224,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

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.