Manager, Product Logistics & Sustainment

Firestorm is looking for a Manager, Product Logistics & Sustainment, who will be working with internal and external customers. You will assess, identify gaps, build and own Firestorm's logistics and sustainment capability for our existing and near-term products. You will function-build focused on solving near to medium-term problems with a keen eye toward the long term, not a theoretical enterprise buildout. The work done here establishes the operating model, a broader enterprise sustainment function that can scale when Firestorm is ready for it. You will also own two currently unowned capabilities in parallel: (1) the sustainment architecture that keeps fielded xCell / Tier 3 systems supplied, maintained, and mission-ready, and (2) the first repair-and-maintenance sustainment model for Firestorm's UAS products built and sold independent of xCell. In addition, you will scope, establish and validate the concept of Production Advisory Services (PAS), embedding directly with customers to drive full customer utilization of Firestorm xCell systems and generate operational data that will feed sustainment and applications engineering processes for continuous improvement. The position will sit within the xCell organization, where sustainment work and applications engineering has already taken root. The placement will be reassessed as scope and the company's broader Operations function matures. What You'll Do Own xCell / Tier 3 Sustainment Working closely with xCell Field Support and the Mission Success Team (MST), build and refine spare-parts, consumables, tools, and replenishment packages for fielded xCell systems based on both projected and real utilization and failure data. Define resupply trigger logic and stocking strategy for fielded units. Serve as the connective tissue between Field Support, MST, and the xCell manufacturing/engineering teams when sustainment issues surface. Capture fielding and sustainment lessons and feed them into product, packaging, and process improvements. Build Drone Product Logistics & Sustainment (New Capability) Working closely with MST and the UAS team stand up Firestorm's repair and maintenance sustainment model for UAS sold and supported independent of xCell. Define spare-parts, maintenance, and replenishment strategy for UAS product lines. Partner with Mission Success to close the unfilled gap between training/flight operations and the maintenance/sustainment tail. Establish baseline repair-intake and turnaround processes before volume demands them. Establish and Run Production Advisory Services (PAS) Embed directly with customers to guide full utilization of xCell production capability — the difference between a customer owning an xCell and a customer actually running production and extracting full value from it. Develop the KPI/metrics framework (cost, time, uptime) to prove customer value and build an internal case for future investment. Feed customer process data and lessons learned into sustainment planning and, Crucible development, and feed the information into the Applications Engineering team to drive improved processes. Work with BD and MST to determine if PAS engagements as a pre-sale value-demonstration tool-in would be of value. Maintain Tier 2 Awareness Maintain visibility into Tier 2 sustainment needs and flag emerging risks or dependencies to leadership. Provide input as Tier 2 planning matures, without carrying primary execution responsibility at this stage. Other Requirements Ensure fielded xCell and drone products meet baseline requirements for safe handling, storage, packaging, and documentation. Partner with qualified specialists, internal or external, on SDS/HAZMAT and configuration-driven compliance needs as they arise. Help shape Crucible development and prioritization based on knowledge gained and lessons learned. Identify personnel gaps and potential organizational solutions related to sustainment and logistics. Provide back-up support for logistics movements of Firestorm systems and parts as needed. How You'll Operate Sustain: Establish the processes and work cross-functionally to ensure fielded xCell / Tier 3 and drone products are on-line and ready through maintenance, repair, provisioning, and resupply. Advise: Scope, validate and run PAS engagements that drive real customer adoption and generate field-truth data. Build: Map out and stand up the UAS product field resupply and sustainment model Connect: Bridge xCell manufacturing/engineering and field support, Mission Success, the UAS team, Supply Chain Management and Business Development, wherever fielded-product reality should inform their decisions. Report: Convert field data into the metrics and lessons that justify what gets built next. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Logistics management or a related field U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance 5+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, sustainment, maintenance, or field support operations, ideally in a fast-moving or resource-constrained environment. Experience building process and structure where none has existed before Experiencing working hands-on in the field while also thinking analytically about the systems and data behind sustainment decisions. Strong cross-functional communication and the judgment to know when to escalate versus resolve directly. Preferred Qualifications Military logistics or sustainment experience, ideally in joint or expeditionary operations. Experience in PACOM or other complex international logistics environments. Familiarity with maintenance/repair operations for fielded hardware, ground or aerial systems. An advanced degree/certification: MBA, MS Supply Chain Management, CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), PMP (Propject Management Professional) or equivalent Active U.S. security clearance. Why This Role, Why Now xCell only matters if it makes what the warfighter needs, where they need it — and someone has to own the part that turns a capable machine into a reliable one in the field. That's this role. The engineers who join now will define how we qualify, deploy, and scale what xCell can produce, and they'll do it on a team that takes the work seriously and moves with urgency. If you want real responsibility and near-term impact on a fielded defense platform, let's talk. About Firestorm Firestorm is a defense technology company solving one of the hardest logistics problems in modern warfare — how do you manufacture what you need, when you need it, and where you need it without support from traditional supply chains? Our answer is xCell: containerized, deployable manufacturing units built around advanced additive and traditional manufacturing that go where warfighters go. We're roughly 150 people, headquartered in San Diego, and we're past concept — xCell systems are in the field in both OCONUS and CONUS today and our development pipeline is aggressive. Work Environment Based on-site at our San Diego, CA. Headquarters We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate. Travel up to 25%, customer and field sites, including CONUS & OCONUS 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 Base salary: $135,000 - $150,000 base, commensurate with experience Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company 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 a holiday hiatus 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. 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 [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.