Senior Applications Engineer
Firestorm
Software Engineering, IT
Rome, NY, USA
USD 110k-148k / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 23, 2025
Senior Applications Engineer
Rome, NY
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 a Senior Applications Engineer (AE) to design and deliver high-performance, mission-specific parts and assemblies using SolidWorks (CAD), working directly with Department of Defense (DoD) customers in a deployed environment This is a hands-on, dynamic engineering role focused on additive manufacturing, reverse engineering, and field-based support using Firestorm’s mobile expeditionary manufacturing capability (MECC). The candidate fulfilling this role will modify existing designs, create new ones from scratch, and reverse engineer physical components for rapid prototyping and production in forward-operating environments. The role combines design engineering, customer-facing applications work, and on-site leadership.
What You'll Do
- Design custom mechanisms, structural components, and assemblies for both UAS and non-UAS applications using SolidWorks.
- Modify, optimize, and reverse engineer physical parts for additive manufacturing, specifically HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) production.
- Operate 3D scanning equipment to capture complex part geometries, clean up point clouds and meshes, and convert into solid models.
- Perform DFAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing) reviews and workshops with DoD customers and internal Firestorm teams.
- Conduct metrology, quality control inspections and part evaluation, using precision tools and techniques.
- Maintain a database of customer-submitted part files, build histories, and scanned geometries for tracking and re-use.
- Create technical specifications and work instructions for internally produced and third-party assemblies.
- Operate and maintain additive manufacturing systems, including daily, weekly, and monthly service tasks.
- Manage CAD data and file release workflows using systems such as SolidWorks PDM, ARENA, or Teamcenter.
- Set up, configure, and commission Firestorm’s mobile manufacturing container in deployed environments.
- Assist in the manufacturing and assembly of UAS platforms and related hardware.
- Communicate effectively with HQ stakeholders, escalating issues, and collaborating on technical solutions.
- Serve as a technical resource for Firestorm’s Business Development team, providing engineering insight during customer engagements, and proposal development.
- Help create and maintain technical documentation, user manuals, and troubleshooting guides to support customer use and internal operations.
- Document and escalate technical insights and field observations to inform product improvements, working closely with Software and Platform engineering teams.
- Author and deliver status reports, as well as technical updates to both internal stakeholders, and external government customers.
- Support internal teams at customer-facing events and demonstrations, occasionally assisting in representing the product to external stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a design or applications engineer, with hands-on experience in additive manufacturing.
- 2+ years of experience using metrology and inspection tools, with professional-level quality control knowledge.
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies and technical drawings.
- Strong technical writing skills for documenting systems, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.
- Effective collaborator with the ability to work across engineering disciplines and with field operations teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience as a Applications Engineer, preferably with HP MJF systems.
- 3+ years of experience using metrology and inspection tools, with professional-level quality control knowledge.
- 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role, with experience leading technical teams, or managing engineering projects.
- Active DoD security clearance; Secret or higher.
- Experience in aerospace or DoD-related manufacturing environments, including prior work with spacecraft, or aircraft.
- Prior experience designing or supporting commercial or military UAS platforms.
- Direct experience delivering UAS systems to market in defense or commercial sectors.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to perform under pressure in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to support offsite deployments.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and work in austere conditions.
- Frequent travel may be required (up to 15%) within a calendar year in support of field operations, integration events, customer support and testing.
- Willingness to work occasional weekend work, to meet production or deployment timelines.
- Work may include exposure to dust, heat, vibration, or loud noise, and will require the use of PPE.
Work Environment
- This is an on-site role based in Rome, NY.
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
- This position is currently funded; continuation beyond the current period is contingent upon additional government funding & business needs.
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
U.S. Range: $110,000 - $148,000
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.
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Req ID: R85