Applications Engineering Manager
Firestorm
IT, Software Engineering
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 130k-170k / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 10, 2025
Applications Engineering Manager
San Diego, CA
Engineering
In office
Full-time
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
About the Role
Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and motivated Applications Engineering Manager to lead xCell’s expanding Applications Engineering team. This people manager role specializes in additive manufacturing, post operations and box builds, with a focus on industrial polymer additive manufacturing. You will oversee a diverse team tackling complex DFAM engineering challenges across polymer and metal applications, working closely with customers and cross-functional teams.
What You’ll Do
- Build, develop, and lead the day-to-day activities of the Applications Engineering team.
- Manage escalations from the team and customers, providing timely resolution and support.
- Ensure designs are optimized and compatible with Firestorm’s xCell manufacturing process.
- Develop and maintain workflows and release environments in collaborative platforms (e.g., SharePoint, ARENA, Jira).
- Partner with customers to deeply understand their needs, engineering challenges, and problem sets.
- Lead project management efforts for applications engineering initiatives in partnership with the Business Development team.
- Maintain accurate documentation of customer & team interactions, project progress, and outcomes.
- Research and advocate for advanced manufacturing processes, software, tools, and equipment to support customer missions.
- Collaborate with customers to develop achievable additive manufacturing solutions for design concepts, prototypes, and production parts.
- Evaluate throughput, cost, material usage, and other metrics to provide performance estimates and reports.
- Provide technical design recommendations and approve designs for lifecycle release.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance applications engineering processes and team efficiency.
- Mentor and develop team members’ skills to build a high-performing and engaged team.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related field
- Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing applications engineering
- At least 2 years of experience managing applications engineering teams
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, SAP, etc.) & and PLM systems (e.g., Arena) to support product development and manufacturing workflows
- Proficient technical writing skills for documenting systems, procedures, and troubleshooting guides
- Strong CAD skills (e.g., SolidWorks) with working knowledge of design guidelines for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering and field operations teams
- Analytical mindset and ability to thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments
- Experience in reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and precision measurement equipment
- Proficient in analyzing production and engineering data to inform decisions and optimize performance
- Strong leadership presence, communication skills, and ability to motivate and align teams
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment, and organize work assignments to meet established timetables
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in additive manufacturing applications engineering
- 3+ years of experience managing an applications engineering team
- Experience designing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) using MJF or similar AM technologies
- Familiarity with military standards and specifications, including MIL-STD-810
- Knowledge of Department of Defense standards, acquisition requirements, and UAS operational protocols
- Proven success working with defense contractors, government agencies, or active-duty military personnel
- Understanding of FAA regulatory frameworks and airworthiness certification processes for unmanned aerial systems
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
- This role requires daily on-site presence
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to support offsite deployments
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required]
- Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally for field operations, integration events, customer support and testing
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). This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.
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 machine equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).
Compensation
US Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 USD
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
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & 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.
First name *
Last name *
Email *
LinkedIn URL
Resume *
Click to upload or drag and drop here
Are you a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person who can obtain and maintain a Security Clearance? *
Are you authorized to work in the United States? *
U.S. Work Authorization
Are you any of the following “protected individual(s)” as defined in the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)? *
EXPORT CONTROLS - This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Your responses to the questions below will be used solely to determine your eligibility under U.S. law to receive information and materials subject to U.S. export controls.
Do you presently hold an active U.S. security clearance, or are you eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance? *
Clearance Eligibility - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Do you reside in the San Diego CA area? *
Voluntary Self-Identification
To comply with government reporting requirements, we invite candidates to participate in the self-identification survey below. Your completion of this form is entirely optional, and your decision will neither influence the hiring process nor any subsequent stages. Any information you choose to share will be kept confidential and stored in a secure file. As outlined in our Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we uphold a commitment to non-discrimination based on any protected group status specified in applicable laws.
Gender
Race
Race and ethnicity descriptions
Voluntary Self-Identification of Veteran Status
VEVRAA requires Government contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment protected veterans. To help us measure the effectiveness of our outreach and recruitment efforts of veterans, we are asking you to tell us if you are a veteran covered by VEVRAA. If you believe that you belong to any of the following categories of protected veterans, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.
Veteran status descriptions
Disabled veteran
A veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military and is entitled to disability compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to disability compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disabilityRecently separated veteran
A veteran separated during the three-year period beginning on the date of the veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S military, ground, naval, or air serviceActive duty wartime or campaign badge veteran
A veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized under the laws administered by the Department of DefenseArmed Forces service medal veteran
A veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military ground, naval, or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 Fed. Reg. 1209).Veteran status
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Status
Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Page 1 of 1
Expires 04/30/2026
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.
Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.
Disability descriptions
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:
Disability status
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
By applying you agree to Gem's terms and privacy policy.
Save your info to apply to other roles faster & help employers reach you.
Req ID: R73