Mechanical Engineer - Ground Equipment and Packaging

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 estorm 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.

As a Mechanical Engineer focused on Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Packaging, you will own the design and delivery of 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.
• 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.

• 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 (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 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, 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…