Senior Quality, Test & Evaluation Engineer

About the Role

Firestorm is seeking a Quality, Test & Evaluation (QTE) Engineer to own system‑level testing, build quality control, and deployment readiness for the xCell program. The role works closely with engineers and cross‑functional teams to ensure performance, reliability, and safety from initial build through field sustainment. It is a hands‑on, execution‑driven position focused on verification, acceptance testing, quality issue resolution, and continuous improvement of current and next‑generation designs. • Develop and execute system‑level verification & validation (V&V) plans and test procedures for xCell platforms. • Lead build acceptance and system readiness reviews to determine deployment clearance. • Perform hands‑on inspections and functional testing of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and power subsystems. • Identify, document, and drive resolution of nonconformances, implementing corrective actions. • Conduct root‑cause analysis and define preventive measures for design and build processes. • Coordinate supplier quality activities to verify component and assembly specifications. • Maintain configuration traceability across system variants, updates, and field retrofits. • Capture operational feedback to guide design improvements for future xCell revisions. • Support and lead test readiness and deployment events. • Hands‑on troubleshooting and inspection of mechanical and electrical assemblies.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸verification
• ▸build acceptance
• ▸functional testing
• ▸nonconformance
• ▸root cause
• ▸traceability

What You Bring

The position is based at our headquarters in San Diego, CA, with up to 30 % travel for supplier visits, deployments, and field operations. Employees must be able to lift up to 30 lb and perform physical system setup and testing tasks while adhering to company policies, safety standards, and labor regulations. Collaboration across engineering, operations, and suppliers is essential in this integrated build environment. Compliance with U.S. export control regulations—including ITAR and EAR—is required, meaning applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals, or otherwise eligible for the necessary authorizations from the Department of State or Commerce. • U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible for DoD security clearance. • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Industrial Engineering or related field. • 5–9 years of experience in hardware test, system integration, or quality engineering. • Proven experience owning test planning, execution, documentation, and corrective‑action decisions. • Ability to work in integrated build environments and coordinate across engineering, operations, and suppliers. • Experience with deployable/containerized systems, environmental controls, or industrial power equipment. • Familiarity with AS9100, ISO9001, MIL‑STD test methods or government acceptance criteria. • Background supporting field testing or operational sustainment. • Engineering Management, PMP, Six Sigma, or reliability engineering certification (optional).

Requirements

• ▸u.s. citizen
• ▸bachelor's
• ▸5-9 years
• ▸hardware test
• ▸as9100
• ▸pmp

Benefits

The U.S. salary range for this role is $142,000 – $183,000, reflecting factors such as experience, education, certifications, location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary and is subject to change based on market conditions and our compensation structure. • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. • 401(k) retirement savings plan and equity grants for new hires. • Unlimited PTO and generous holiday calendar, including November/December hiatus. • Parental leave, lifestyle spending account, and various insurance options (FSA, HSA, etc.). • Free 24/7 mental‑health resources and additional legal/financial support services.

Work Environment

Onsite