Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician

Senior Mechanical Engineering TechnicianAs a Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician at Firestorm, you will be the most capable set of hands on the floorthe person who builds the first article, figures out why it does not fit, fixes it, and then writes down how it should be done next time. You will own complete aircraft and test article builds from kit to functional hardware, own the setup and execution of mechanical test campaigns, and lead aircraft preparation and turnaround at field and flight test events. This role carries real ownership. You will own the quality of one or more process areaswire harness fabrication, composite layup and repair, or test lab tooling and calibrationand you will be the standard others are measured against. You will red-line drawings and work instructions during build and drive those corrections back into engineering, so that what gets released is actually buildable. You will mentor junior technicians and check their work. If you have spent your career building hardware that has to work the first time, and you want that work to matter, this is the seat. Aircraft and Prototype Build-UpOwn complete aircraft and major assembly builds, from kitting through final integration and functional check. Serve as the shop's authority on one or more process areaswire harness fabrication, composite layup and repair, or bonded and fastened structural assemblyand own the quality of that area's output. Fabricate complex wire harnesses and verify pin-out, continuity, and workmanship before installation. Install and rig mechanisms: control surfaces, servo linkages, hinges, and travel and throw setting. Perform propulsion and fuel system installation, including engine mounting, plumbing, leak checks, and propeller balancing. Resolve build issues in real timefit-up problems, interference, missing or incorrect hardwareand exercise judgment on what can be worked and what must be escalated. Red-line drawings and work instructions during build and drive corrections back into engineering, so that what gets released is actually buildable. Author and improve work instructions so that builds are repeatable by junior technicians. Identify non-conformances, support MRB disposition, and execute rework to the approved disposition. Support first-article inspection and production readiness as platforms transition from prototype to rate build. Mechanical Test ExecutionOwn test setup end to end: fixture fabrication and adaptation, test article installation, instrumentation, and data acquisition configuration. Install and verify strain gauges, load cells, accelerometers, thermocouples, and displacement transducers; confirm calibration and channel health before test. Configure and operate data acquisition systemschannel setup, sample rates, tare, and triggeringand deliver clean, labeled data to engineering. Execute static and proof load, drop, vibration and shock, thermal and environmental, and fatigue test campaigns to written procedure. Troubleshoot test setup problems independently and keep a campaign moving without waiting for an engineer at every step. Maintain anomaly logs, photo and video records, and test documentation sufficient to defend a result. Own lab infrastructure: fixture inventory, test stand maintenance, gage and equipment calibration schedule, and safe test operations including hazard review, stored-energy control, and rigging and lifting. Flight and Field Test SupportLead aircraft preparation and turnaround at flight and field test events, acting as crew lead for build and maintenance activity on site. Own field loadouttooling, spares, consumables, and GSEand the readiness of everything that leaves the building. Set up and maintain launch and recovery equipment, ground control stations, and field power. Perform and document maintenance actions, squawk resolution, and post-flight damage assessment. Capture field findings and communicate them back to design engineering with enough fidelity to drive design changes. Team and ProcessMentor junior technicians, check their work, and build their skills and habits. Partner with mechanical and electrical engineering on design for assemblytell us when a design is not buildable before it is released. Provide practical input on tooling, fixture, and GSE design based on how the hardware is actually built and used. Help define technician workmanship standards, training, and shop practices as the team grows. Required QualificationsHigh school diploma, GED or equivalent education 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR120.62 required due to ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status 5+ years of hands-on technician experience in aerospace, defense, motorsports, or a comparable hardware-intensive prototype or production environment Experience reading and working from engineering drawings including GD&T callouts, wiring diagrams, schematics, and assembly procedures Experience building complex assemblies independently, from kit to functional hardware Wire harness fabrication experiencecrimping, connector pinning, and continuity and pin-out verification Experience setting up and executing mechanical or structural tests, including instrumentation installation and data acquisition Proficiency with precision measurement tools and calibrated torque equipment Preferred QualificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate Military aviation maintenance backgroundaviation structural mechanic, avionics technician, UAS maintainer, or equivalent Composite fabrication and structural repair experience Strain gauge installation and data acquisition experience (National Instruments, DEWESoft, HBM, or equivalent) sUAS build, maintenance, or field operations experience FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Manual machining experiencemill and lathe Ability to navigate CAD and PLM systems (Creo, Creo View, Arena, or equivalent) and mark up models and drawings Experience mentoring or training junior technicians