Associate Mechanical Engineer

Associate Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA | xCell | In office | Part-time

Firestorm is seeking a Student Mechanical Engineer to join the xCell team in a part-time capacity while completing an undergraduate engineering degree. xCell is Firestorm's modular manufacturing platform, built to enable rapidly deployable and adaptable production capability. This is a hands-on role for a student who wants to apply classroom fundamentals to real hardware and learn how mechanical designs move from concept through prototype, test, release, and production.

You will work alongside experienced engineers, technicians, and manufacturing partners to support the design, integration, and documentation of xCell mechanical components, assemblies, enclosures, fixtures, and production solutions. The right person is curious, dependable, comfortable asking questions, and eager to take ownership of clearly defined engineering work.

• Support the design and development of xCell mechanical components, structures, enclosures, equipment interfaces, and assemblies using 3D CAD under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Create and revise engineering drawings, models, bills of materials, and supporting documentation in accordance with established standards.
• Assist with xCell prototype and production builds, equipment installation, fit checks, assembly activities, and hands-on troubleshooting of mechanical hardware.
• Support design for manufacturability and assembly reviews by checking dimensions, interfaces, materials, tolerances, and fabrication methods.
• Help plan and execute xCell verification activities; document configurations, observations, measurements, results, and follow-up actions.
• Work with manufacturing and quality teams to investigate nonconformances, identify root causes, and implement practical corrective actions.
• Maintain organized xCell product data and support engineering change activity within Firestorm's document-control and product-lifecycle systems.
• Communicate progress, risks, and blockers clearly, and incorporate technical feedback into the next design iteration.
• Contribute where needed in a fast-moving development and production environment, including occasional hands-on work on the shop floor.

• Current enrollment in a bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• Completion of foundational coursework in engineering mechanics, materials, manufacturing, machine design, or related subjects.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD; experience with Solid Works is strongly preferred.
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, dimensioning, tolerances, and mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to use common measurement tools and safely work around prototypes, tools, and production equipment with appropriate training.
• Strong attention to detail, sound written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage assignments around an academic schedule.
• A practical, collaborative mindset and willingness to learn through both analysis and hands-on execution.
• Availability to work up-to 30 hours per week on site in San Diego during the academic term, with scheduling coordinated around coursework.

• Personal, academic, Formula SAE, robotics, UAV, rocketry, makerspace, or other hands-on engineering project experience.
• Experience creating parts or assemblies through machining, sheet-metal fabrication, additive manufacturing, composites, or basic shop processes.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis, configuration management, PLM/PDM systems, or engineering change processes.
• Experience collecting test data, writing technical reports, or presenting design work to a technical audience.
• Interest in defense technology, expeditionary manufacturing, modular systems, or product development in an early-stage environment.

• Based onsite at our San Diego, CA Headquarters
• Availability to work approximately and up-to a total of 30 hours per week (not to exceed) on site in San Diego during the academic term, with scheduling coordinated around coursework.

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). 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, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day.

Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

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…