San Diego, CA

• On-Site

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 at scale. Firestorm 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. Backed by leading investors across defense, aerospace, and technology, Firestorm is redefining how defense capability is built, fielded, and sustained in contested environments. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.

About The Role We are looking for a Product Designer to shape the user experience across Firestorm’s software portfolio, including our manufacturing intelligence platform – Crucible – and our suite of Tactical Apps (ArcTAK, Ignite, and WarRoom). As a member of our Product team, you will be responsible for translating complex manufacturing and defense workflows into clean, intuitive interfaces that operators rely on in contested environments.

This role requires someone who is comfortable interacting with front-line personnel, synthesizing field observations into actionable design decisions, and dealing with the ambiguity of a fast-moving startup environment. You should have a strong sense of ownership, a bias toward action, and the ability to work across disciplines – partnering closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Business Development to deliver production-ready interfaces.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with Product and Engineering Leadership to design intuitive workflows for complex manufacturing and defense operations.
• Champion emerging best practices around AI-assisted prototyping to quickly iterate. Document design decisions and maintain design specifications to ensure clean engineering handoff.
• Conduct user research and translate findings into design solutions that balance usability, feasibility, and business impact.
• Design for constrained environments – tablet interfaces on the factory floor, offline-capable workflows, low-bandwidth field conditions, and multi-persona access models. Support the maturation of a design system that maintains consistency across Firestorm’s brand.
• Help establish UX standards and processes for the design function at Firestorm.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in UX/UI design with increasing scope and ownership
• Experience designing for manufacturing, defense, aerospace, or industrial environments where operators interact with software under real-world constraints
• Familiarity with MES/MRP systems, shop floor workflows, or production management software

Work Environment Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA. This role requires an on-site presence. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate. Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically for field operations, integration events, and customer support.

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.

Compensation US Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000 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:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision 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 and December

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.