Senior Test Technician

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm Labs is seeking a hands-on and analytical Senior Test Technician to join its production team in San Diego. The role verifies that sub-assemblies and aircraft perform as designed before they reach Flight Test and customers. The technician will work within an Integrated Product Team supporting the Tempest, Squall, and Hurricane FPV aircraft lines, conducting in-process and end-of-line functional testing, operating and maintaining test stands, and using test and field data to improve production. The position works closely with Manufacturing Technicians, Quality Inspectors, and Manufacturing Engineering, and reports to the Senior Manager of Production Operations. The position is onsite at Firestorm’s San Diego headquarters, on the production floor and at test stands. Work includes extended standing and fine-motor tasks, with occasional outdoor work or work at flight test sites. The environment can involve running engines, fuel, noise, rotating propellers, and batteries; hearing and eye protection are required. Occasional overtime may be needed to support customer commitments. Compensation is $32.00–$42.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, plus a meaningful equity grant. The posting describes a range that may vary based on factors such as experience, education, certifications, skills, location, and business needs.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
U.S. Person status as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, required due to ITAR regulations; this includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status.
At least 5 years of hands-on test, troubleshooting, or technician experience in aerospace, defense, UAS, automotive, or electronics.
Experience using test equipment such as multimeters, power supplies, and basic electrical and mechanical test equipment.
Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, drawings, and test procedures.
Troubleshooting skills and disciplined data recording.
Ability to communicate test results clearly to Manufacturing and Quality.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Technical certificate or associate degree in electronics, avionics, or mechanical technology.
Experience with small engines (carbureted or EFI), engine test stands, or engine break-in.
Experience with UAS or FPV systems, including flight controllers, ESCs, motors, radios, and configuration software such as Betaflight, ArduPilot, or PX4.
Experience with automated cable testers such as Cirris or with oscilloscopes.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 or IPC J-STD-001 certification.
CAD skills for quick-turn fixtures and test tooling.
Experience in an AS9100-compliant environment and with Jira or an ERP/MES system.

Responsibilities

Perform in-process and final functional testing of sub-assemblies and aircraft according to test procedures, routers, and work orders.
Conduct engine break-in and run testing on test stands for carbureted and EFI engines, recording performance data against acceptance criteria.
Perform electrical and avionics checks, including harness continuity and hipot testing, power-up checks, flight controller configuration, firmware loading, and RF link verification.
Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain test stands, fixtures, and test equipment, and keep calibration records current.
Accurately record test results in routers and test records with full serial traceability.
Hand off tested assemblies to Inspection or Flight Test using the standard handoff log, noting open items.
Troubleshoot failures to the component or assembly level and clearly document findings.
Analyze defects returned from Flight Test and provide findings to Quality to support root cause and corrective action.
Identify and tag nonconforming units and support NCMR entry in Jira.
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop and improve test procedures, fixtures, and test stand designs.
Perform other duties as directed.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
Company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July 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.
Option to purchase additional life insurance for employees and their families.
Free 24/7 mental health resources, including therapy.
Free legal and financial support.