Manufacturing Technician (contractor)

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm Labs is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Manufacturing Technician to build aircraft sub-assemblies and final assemblies to released work orders, routers, drawings, work instructions, and quality standards. The role supports the Tempest, Squall, and Hurricane FPV aircraft lines within an Integrated Product Team (IPT), working alongside Test Technicians and Quality Inspectors. The technician will also contribute to improving assembly methods and work instructions as production scales. The position reports to the “[Reporting Manager Title]” as written in the posting. The role is onsite at Firestorm Labs’ headquarters in San Diego, California, primarily on the production floor. It requires extended periods of standing, bending, and close visual work, including work under magnification, and lifting up to 30 pounds. Required PPE includes safety glasses and ESD protection. Occasional overtime may be needed to support customer commitments. The position is identified as a contractor role and offers an hourly base rate of $30.00–$40.00, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
U.S. Person status as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, as required due to ITAR regulations; this includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status.
At least 2 years of hands-on assembly experience in aerospace, defense, UAS, electronics, or precision manufacturing.
Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and work instructions.
Experience using hand and power tools, torque tools, and basic measuring instruments such as calipers and gauges.
Strong attention to detail and disciplined documentation habits.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing production environment.

Nice To Haves

IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification.
Experience with composite structures, RC or FPV aircraft, small engines (carbureted or EFI), or electromechanical systems.
Experience working in an AS9100-compliant environment.
Familiarity with ERP or MES systems such as Unanet and with Jira.
Startup, new product introduction (NPI), or low-rate initial production experience.

Responsibilities

Build aircraft sub-assemblies, including front landing gear, centerwing, and empennage, and final assemblies according to released work orders, routers, drawings, and work instructions.
Receive kitted material from the Warehouse, verify part numbers and quantities against work orders, and flag shortages or discrepancies before beginning builds.
Perform mechanical assembly, fastening, bonding, wire routing, connector termination, and soldering to workmanship standards.
Complete router sign-offs and build records accurately and in real time, including serial and lot traceability.
Hand off completed assemblies to Inspection and Test using the standard handoff log, including part number, quantity, MOT, and open items.
Identify, tag, and segregate nonconforming material, and support NCMR entry and disposition in Jira.
Support first article builds and new product introduction by redlining work instructions and recommending assembly method improvements.
Maintain an organized work area by following 5S, FOD prevention, and ESD control practices.
Perform rework and repair according to approved dispositions and engineering direction.
Cross-train across sub-assembly stations within and between IPTs as production needs shift.
Perform other duties as directed.