Mechanical Engineer - Ground Support Equipment and Packaging

Firestorm • San Diego, CA

47d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Mechanical Engineer focused on Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Packaging, you will own the design and delivery of the tooling, handling fixtures, and ruggedized transport solutions that enable Firestorm’s sUAS platforms to be built, moved, maintained, and fielded reliably. You’ll work closely with airframe, systems, manufacturing, and operations teams to translate real-world field and production needs into practical hardware—balancing durability, weight, cost, safety, and ease of use. This is a hands-on, full-time role with ownership from concept through deployment: develop requirements, create CAD and drawings, perform analysis, prototype and iterate, qualify designs through test, and release complete documentation for internal builds and external vendors. You will also support fielding and test events to validate that GSE and packaging perform as intended in operational conditions, and you’ll continuously improve designs based on feedback from production and end users.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in the aerospace, defense, or ruggedized systems industry
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred; NX or PTC Creo acceptable)
• Experience designing ground support equipment, transit packaging, or handling fixtures for aerospace or defense hardware
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 environmental test requirements and packaging standards such as MIL-HDBK-304, ASTM D4169, etc.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, and hardware validation
• Strong knowledge of materials, fasteners, and mechanical interfaces relevant to fielded systems
• Proficiency in FEA (ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) for structural validation of GSE components
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic startup environment
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance

Responsibilities

• Design and develop ground support equipment including handling fixtures, maintenance stands, and field tooling for Firestorm’s sUAS platforms.
• Own aircraft packaging design: develop transit case configurations, custom foam packing schemes, and protective enclosures that meet MIL-STD environmental and drop requirements.
• Develop multiple packaging solutions for Firestorm’s sUAS manufactured from both fixed lines and xCell mobile manufacturing unit.
• Perform and support structural analysis on GSE and packaging to validate designs under transport, handling, and operational loads.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate GSE and packaging designs; support drop testing, vibration testing, and environmental qualification as required.
• Collaborate with aircraft mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure GSE and packaging designs are compatible with aircraft interfaces, payload configurations, and field maintenance needs.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation: drawings, BOMs, assembly procedures, packing instructions, and field use guides.
• Interface with vendors and contract manufacturers to source and procure GSE components and custom packaging solutions.
• Support fielding activities—traveling to test sites and customer locations to validate GSE and packaging in operational conditions.
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on GSE and packaging considerations across the broader hardware program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level