Product Designer

Product Designer San Diego, CA · On-Site Who We Are At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that. We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell -- our deployable microfactory -- our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need. Backed by leading investors across defense, aerospace, and technology, Firestorm is redefining how defense capability is built, fielded, and sustained in contested environments. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact. About the Role We are looking for a Product Designer to shape the user experience across Firestorm’s software portfolio, including our manufacturing intelligence platform – Crucible – and our suite of Tactical Apps (ArcTAK, Ignite, and WarRoom). As a member of our Product team, you will be responsible for translating complex manufacturing and defense workflows into clean, intuitive interfaces that operators rely on in contested environments. This role requires someone who is comfortable interacting with front-line personnel, synthesizing field observations into actionable design decisions, and dealing with the ambiguity of a fast-moving startup environment. You should have a strong sense of ownership, a bias toward action, and the ability to work across disciplines – partnering closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Business Development to deliver production-ready interfaces. What You’ll Do * Collaborate with Product and Engineering Leadership to design intuitive workflows for complex manufacturing and defense operations. * Champion emerging best practices around AI-assisted prototyping to quickly iterate. Document design decisions and maintain design specifications to ensure clean engineering handoff. * Conduct user research and translate findings into design solutions that balance usability, feasibility, and business impact. * Design for constrained environments – tablet interfaces on the factory floor, offline-capable workflows, low-bandwidth field conditions, and multi-persona access models. Support the maturation of a design system that maintains consistency across Firestorm’s brand. * Help establish UX standards and processes for the design function at Firestorm. Required Qualifications * Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, or a related field * 4+ years of experience in UX/UI design for complex software products, with a strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design work * U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance * Proficiency with modern design tools (Figma preferred) and the ability to produce wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups * Demonstrated experience designing for data-dense, workflow-driven applications (e.g., enterprise SaaS, manufacturing, logistics, or operations tools) * Strong understanding of interaction design principles, information architecture, and responsive/adaptive design patterns * Experience conducting user research – including field observation, usability testing, and stakeholder interviews – and translating findings into design decisions * Ability to work cross-functionally with Product Management and Engineering, communicating design rationale clearly and incorporating technical constraints * Comfort with ambiguity and fast iteration cycles in a startup environment; you don’t wait for perfect requirements to start designing * Strong visual design sensibility with attention to typography, layout, color, and hierarchy Preferred Qualifications * 6+ years of experience in UX/UI design with increasing scope and ownership * Experience designing for manufacturing, defense, aerospace, or industrial environments where operators interact with software under real-world constraints * Familiarity with MES/MRP systems, shop floor workflows, or production management software * Experience designing for tablet-first and offline-capable interfaces * Demonstrated fluency with AI-assisted design and prototyping tools, with a track record of using them to accelerate iteration and improve design quality * Background working with design systems and component libraries at scale * Understanding of accessibility standards and designing for diverse user skill levels * Experience supporting business development with visual storytelling, demo assets, or customer-facing prototypes * Background in startup or high-growth environments * Passion for building tools that serve operators in complex, real-world environments Work Environment Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA. This role requires an on-site presence. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate. Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically for field operations, integration events, and customer support. 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 US Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000 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: * Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision 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 and December * Generous Parental Leave * Lifestyle Spending Account * FSA, DCFSA, and HSA options * Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and 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: free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more, plus additional work-life services such as free legal and financial support 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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.