Who We AreAt 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 RoleFirestorm Labs is seeking a proactive and strategic Operation Sustainment Lead to join our growing team in San Diego. This role owns the design and integration of Firestorm’s initial delivery and post-delivery sustainment model across deployed drone platforms and xCell manufacturing systems. The individual in this role ensures our systems can be deployed, supported, and kept operational within real customer logistics environments by defining how spares are provisioned, consumables are managed, and repairs are handled in the field.
Working across engineering, supply chain, and customer teams, this role architects delivery and sustainment models that align with customer logistics frameworks, including U.S. military sustainment structures, ensuring Firestorm systems remain mission-ready throughout their lifecycle. This is not a transactional supply chain or warehouse operations role. It is a system-design and customer-integration role focused on the logistics of initial deployment, field sustainment, and long-term operational readiness.
What You'll Do- Develop and implement an enterprise-wide security strategy aligned with company objectives and defense contract requirements.
- Engage directly with defense and military customers to understand sustainment structures and operational constraints
- Ensure Firestorm delivery and sustainment models align with customer logistics processes and inventory frameworks
- Identify logistics friction points early and adapt support models accordingly
- Support deployment planning with sustainment considerations embedded from the outset
- Define spare parts provisioning models for deployed drone platforms
- Establish field-replaceable unit (FRU) strategies and recommended spare kits
- Develop consumable burn-rate models for Firestorm's xCell systems
- Architect preventive maintenance and replacement cadence guidance for xCell systems
- Translate operational tempo, including flight hours and production volume, into material demand signals
- Design field repair, refurbishment, and return-material authorization (RMA) processes
- Establish field readiness metrics tied to supply availability & define resupply trigger logic and inventory positioning recommendations for fielded products
- Monitor supply-driven downtime and lead corrective action analysis
- Partner with Engineering to ensure product design supports field-level maintainability
- Proactively align with Supply Chain on buffer strategy and lead-time risk
- Support Program and Customer Success teams with sustainment planning inputs
- Provide sustainment assumptions to Finance and Business Development for contract planning, while commercial ownership remains with those teams
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering or related field
- 8+ years of progressive experience in logistics, sustainment, lifecycle support or installed-base operations.
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
- Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or mission-critical hardware
- Customer-facing experience in operational environments
- Strong systems-thinking ability across engineering, supply chain, and field operations
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP and demand modeling tools
Preferred Qualifications- 10+ years of experience in logistics, sustainment, lifecycle support or installed-base operations.
- Prior military logistics or sustainment experience
- Background in aftermarket, installed-base support, with experience defining spare provisioning levels and readiness metrics
- Ability to drive change, mature processes, and adapt systems to evolving business needs.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, fast-paced operations in a dynamic environment
Work Environment - This role is based in San Diego, CA.
- This role does require frequent travel (up to 25%) to customer sites; deployments may be required.
- 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 typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and 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 and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
CompensationU.S. Range: $142,000 - $178,000
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 & PerksOur 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 StatementFirestorm 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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