Mechanical Engineer - Ground Equipment and Packaging

About the Role

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.

• Design and develop ground support equipment including handling fixtures, maintenance stands, and field tooling for Firestorm’s sUAS platforms.
• Ownaircraftpackaging design: develop transit case configurations, customfoampacking 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 andx Cellmobile manufacturing unit.
• Perform and support structural analysis on GSE and packaging tovalidatedesigns 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 withaircraftmechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure GSE and packaging designs are compatible withaircraftinterfaces, payload configurations, and field maintenance needs.
• Generate andmaintainengineering 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineeringor a related field
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in the aerospace, defense, orruggedized systems industry
• Proficiency in CAD software (Solid Works 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 asMIL-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, Solid Works 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

• This role is based 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.
• Domestic Travel up to 2 total weeks, in support of test events.

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual…