Associate Mechanical Test Technician

As an Associate Mechanical Test Technician at Firestorm, you will work alongside our engineers and senior technicians to build, test, and field the unmanned aircraft we deliver to the warfighter. This is a hands-on, shop-floor role. You will assemble airframes, build support equipment, set up test articles, and prepare aircraft for flight — on real hardware, on real programs, on short timelines.

This is an entry-level position and we will train you. What we need from you is mechanical aptitude, care and precision with your hands, and the discipline to follow a procedure exactly and speak up the moment something does not look right. If you come from a trade or technical school, a military aviation maintenance background, a race shop, a fabrication shop, or any environment where you have built and repaired real hardware, we want to talk to you.

You will work under the direction of senior technicians and mechanical engineers who will check your work, teach you the standards, and grow your skill set. The aircraft you help build will fly, and you will be there when they do.

What You'll Do

Aircraft and Prototype Build-Up

• Assemble airframe structures, subassemblies, and integration hardware from released drawings and written work instructions.
• Install mechanical hardware to specification — fasteners, inserts, bushings, brackets, and mounts — and torque to spec with values recorded.
• Support composite work including surface preparation, trimming, bonding, and layup.
• Support propulsion and fuel system installation, including plumbing, fittings, and leak checks.
• Operate shop equipment safely: bandsaw, drill press, sheet metal tooling, and hand and power tools.
• Run 3D printers and perform post-processing on printed parts.
• Kit parts against bills of material and stage build kits for aircraft and test articles.
• Record as-built configuration, serialized part numbers, torque values, and build notes accurately and legibly.
• Flag any part, fit, or instruction that does not match the drawing — escalate rather than improvise.

Mechanical Test Support

• Assemble test fixtures and prepare test articles per engineering direction.
• Install instrumentation — strain gauges, accelerometers, thermocouples, load cells, and displacement sensors — per a provided channel list.
• Support execution of static load, drop, vibration, thermal, and environmental test events.
• Capture photographs, video, and written observations during test; label and hand off data files and test records.
• Follow all test safety requirements: stored-energy control, lockout/tagout, PPE, and rigging and lifting procedures.

Flight Test Support

• Prepare aircraft for flight: preflight and postflight inspection, control surface checks, and weight and center-of-gravity measurement.
• Set up and tear down ground support equipment, ground control stations, antennas, and field tooling.
• Stage spares, consumables, tooling, and loadout ahead of test events.
• Support turnaround between sorties, post-flight teardown, log download, and damage inspection.
• Serve as visual observer or launch and recovery crew at test events.

Shop and Lab Upkeep

• Maintain tool control, FOD discipline, and organization in build and test areas.
• Keep consumables stocked and flag shortages before they stop a build.
• Support receiving inspection and stockroom accuracy.
• Perform routine maintenance on 3D printers, test stands, and shop equipment.

Perform other duties as requested

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent education
• 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 required due to ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status
• Demonstrated hands-on mechanical experience — trade or technical school, military maintenance training, internship, race or fabrication shop, or equivalent build experience
• Ability to read and work from basic engineering drawings and written work instructions
• Proficiency with common hand tools and power tools
• Careful and accurate documentation habits, and the discipline to follow a written procedure exactly

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate or Associate degree from a trade or technical program in aviation maintenance, manufacturing technology, welding, machining, or mechatronics
• Military aviation maintenance background — aviation structural mechanic, avionics technician, UAS maintainer, or equivalent
• Soldering or wire harness fabrication experience; exposure to IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD-001 workmanship standards
• Composite fabrication or repair exposure
• Experience with precision measurement tools — calipers, micrometers, and calibrated torque equipment
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or interest in obtaining one
• Prior experience in a prototype, R&D, or low-rate production environment
• Willingness to ask questions and escalate rather than guess

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that.

We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need.

We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.

Work Environment

• The position is working onsite at Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% in support of test and field events
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in shop, hangar, and outdoor field environments
• Valid driver’s license

This position operates primarily in a manufacturing, laboratory, and hangar environment, with periodic outdoor work at test ranges and field sites. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate hand tools, power tools, precision measurement equipment, and shop machinery. Exposure to noise, dust, adhesives, solvents, fuels, and composite materials, with appropriate personal protective equipment provided and required.

Compensation

• Hourly Base: $20.00 - $27.00 an hour base, commensurate with experience
• Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• Equity grants for new hires
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July & 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.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.