About The Role We're looking for a driven, self-starting engineering student to join our Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Internship team. You'll work alongside experienced engineers to design, build, test, and iterate on autonomous ground systems and mission-specific payloads. This is a hands-on role where your contributions will have a direct impact on real hardware.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in the design, integration, and testing of UGV platforms and mission-specific payloads
• Help develop and document hardware/software interfaces and system architectures
• Conduct field and lab testing, collect data, and assist in analysis and debugging
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers across the team
• Participate in design reviews and contribute ideas for system improvements

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar STEM field
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• Strong understanding of engineering first principles
• Strong attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, and good communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.)
• Experience with collegiate project teams (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car Challenge, etc.)
• Peripheral knowledge of mil-spec or defense systems

Work Environment

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating. Relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs
• Must be comfortable working in a lab/warehouse environment
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions during field testing
• Some travel may be required for field demonstrations or test events

Compensation US Salary Range: $28 - $32

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. Who We Are At Firestorm, we're building toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics. That means equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Not in months, not from a depot halfway around the world, but now, in the field, on demand.

We're a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that produces and sustains modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems, parts and components for repair and sustainment, and the software to transform point solutions into a network of strategic assets.

We're building a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot rely only on expensive, exquisite platforms made in centralized factories. We build and field affordable systems using distributed production capabilities at the edge. If you want to solve challenging problems that will reshape the future of defense, you're in the right place.

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.

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.