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Job Description
Firestorm is looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Production Planner to join our growing team in San Diego. In this high-impact role, you’ll be responsible for the planning, preparing, issuing, and controlling production schedules and working with the supply chain team to coordinate material requirements to ensure a controlled flow of approved materials timed to meet production requirements.
You will also work cross-functionally with the broader operations team on New Product Introduction (NPI), production scale-up, and full-rate production operations enabling cost-effective production operations through customer delivery. A key focus will be on building production plans for our UAS product lines, to support customer projects, R&D efforts and standard operations, while ensuring compliance with regulations, contract requirements, and company policies.
This is a hands-on role where your attention to detail, ability to navigate in a fast-paced environment, and proactive mindset will help mitigate risk, reduce costs, and keep mission-critical programs on track from prototype to full-rate production. You’ll interface regularly with internal teams and customers to ensure the seamless throughput of our production lines that meet stringent quality and delivery standards.
What You Will Do
- Assess production needs relative to available resources and identify potential bottlenecks.
- Advise management on the status of work in progress, material availability, and potential production problems to ensure that personnel equipment, materials, and services are provided as needed.
- Provide production manpower resource planning and allocation.
- Processes work orders and material transactions for non-conformance material dispositions. Interprets engineering change orders (ECO), implement dispositions affecting stock, work in progress, and upcoming assemblies.
- Generate work orders and necessary purchase requisitions using Material Requirement Planning (MRP).
- Collaborate with sales and operations to prioritize orders based on commitments, lead times, and production constraints.
- Provide open order reports aligning sales, engineering, and operations; Work on cross-functional projects to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets.
- Interfaces with operating and support groups (Purchasing, Finance, QA) to collect data for preparation of schedules and reports as well as providing status reports to internal and external contacts. Works in close coordination with outside fabricators and processors.
- Perform other duties as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or a related field or in lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years’ experience of relative experience.
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
- Minimum 5 years of planning or manufacturing experience, in a technology environment.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Unanet) & and PLM systems (e.g., Arena)
- Experience with New Product Introduction and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes.
- A complete understanding of manufacturing planning principles, theories and concepts as well as ability to understand accounting and manufacturing systems in a research or production environment and to apply advanced planning tools and techniques.
- Experience organizing, scheduling and coordinating work phases, determining the appropriate approach at the project level and provide innovative solutions to a range of technical problems.
- Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government acquisition regulations.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- 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
- 3+ years of production planning experience in an aerospace or defense industry
- Experience in startups or fast-growing environments
- Demonstrated experience interfacing with DCAA, DCMA, or other U.S. Government oversight agencies
- Exposure to additive manufacturing, automation, or advanced hardware environments
- Understanding of supply chain risk management and contingency planning
- Knowledge of forecasting tools, procurement analytics, and market benchmarking
- Experience supporting R&D procurement and prototype builds
About The Company
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.
Work Environment
- Position is working onsite at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
- This role requires daily on-site presence.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required].
- Occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required
Compensation
US Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 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 holiday hiatuses in July & 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.
ITAR Compliance
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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.
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 [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.