Senior Operations Liaison
About The Position
The Senior Operations Liaison leads integration between Engineering, Manufacturing, and the Program Office across multiple programs and owns production readiness from the program perspective. The role drives resolution of cross-functional issues, leads production prioritization discussions, and ensures engineering changes and manufacturing capacity support on-time delivery to defense customers. The Senior Liaison also mentors junior liaisons and helps establish processes used across the Program Office. The position is based at Firestorm’s headquarters in San Diego, California. Local candidates and candidates open to relocating are welcome; relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial) or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production management, or engineering integration in aerospace or defense.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams through production ramp or rate production.
- Strong understanding of configuration management, engineering change processes, and production planning.
- Experience supporting defense programs, including FAI, acceptance testing, and DD250 or WAWF delivery processes.
- Excellent communication skills, including briefing leadership and customers.
- U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility.
Nice To Haves
- Active Secret clearance (preferred but not required).
- Experience with UAS or aircraft production.
- Familiarity with Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) and DoD acquisition milestones.
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt.
- Experience with AS9100, ERP/MRP, and PLM systems.
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling production environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead engineering–manufacturing integration across multiple programs and production lines.
- Own production readiness assessments ahead of key milestones, deliveries, and customer events.
- Lead production prioritization and line-loading recommendations to program and executive leadership, balancing delivery commitments, capacity, and engineering changes.
- Drive resolution of complex cross-functional issues and escalate them with options and recommendations.
- Assess the cost, schedule, and delivery impact of engineering changes (ECPs/ECOs) and support change board decisions.
- Lead or support manufacturing readiness reviews (MRRs), production readiness reviews (PRRs), first article inspection (FAI), and customer acceptance events.
- Partner with supply chain to identify and mitigate part shortages and supplier risks affecting production.
- Establish and improve processes, metrics, and tools for engineering–manufacturing coordination.
- Mentor and guide Engineering–Manufacturing Liaisons and support program managers on production matters.
- Represent production status and risks in customer program reviews when needed.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
- Equity grants for new hires.
- Unlimited PTO.
- Generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November and December.
- Generous parental leave.
- Lifestyle Spending Account.
- FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
- Hospital indemnity insurance.
- Critical illness insurance.
- Accident insurance.
- Basic Life/AD&D and short- and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm, with the option to purchase additional life insurance for the employee and family.
- Free mental health resources available 24/7, including therapy.
- Additional work-life services, including free legal and financial support.
- Relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
