Manager Mission Logistics

Firestorm is looking to hire a Manager Mission Logistics who will own the multi-modal logistics function for Mission Success end-to-end: air, ground, rail, and sea — domestic and international — for xCell systems, Tempest UAS, Squall UAS, New Equipment Training (NET) kit, Field Service Representative (FSR) support gear, and OCONUS deployment cargo. You are the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) shipper-of-record for the function, own customs and ITAR/EAR shipping compliance, and run strategic carrier and freight-forwarder relationships. In addition, you will be considered a senior subject-matter-expert (SME) in this role: Firestorm has no professional logistician today and the function depends on you to stand it up correctly.  Your Key Responsibilities 

• Own multi-modal logistics planning and execution: air, ground, rail, sea — CONUS and OCONUS. 
• Serve as HAZMAT shipper-of-record for the function across required modes (49 CFR, IATA DGR, IMDG, ICAO-TI). 
• Own customs documentation, ITAR / EAR export-control shipping compliance, and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) coordination where applicable. 
• Negotiate and manage strategic carrier contracts and freight-forwarder relationships. 
• Coordinate with Legal on Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) filings for OCONUS shipments containing technical data. 
• Stand up the multi-modal freight tracking dashboard; publish quarterly logistics reviews including on-time / in-full performance, cost-per-pound, exception rate. 
• Coordinate with Manufacturing on production-delivery shipping; with FSRs on field-support gear movement; with the Special Projects & Event Specialist on trade-show and exercise event logistics. 
• Stand up the 1099 surge-capacity logistics bench (customs brokers, freight forwarders, ITAR/EAR compliance consultants) with Master Services Agreements (MSAs) in place. 
• Perform other duties as needed

 Required qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or Business Administration. In lieu of degree 12 years of progressive relevant experience
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• 8+ years multi-modal logistics experience with both domestic and international scope. 
• Current HAZMAT shipper-of-record certifications: 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations Title 49), IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions (ICAO-TI). 
• Expertise with U.S. Customs documentation, ITAR / EAR export-control shipping, lithium battery shipping, and Class 1 energetics where applicable. 
• Active Secret clearance at hire (or eligible with current SF-86 within 12 months). 

 Preferred qualifications 

• Senior military logistics background — Army 88M/88N/92Y, Marine MOS 0431/3112, Air Force AFSC 2T1/2T2, or equivalent Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) / U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) / Military Sealift Command (MSC) experience. 
• Senior military service in S-4, G-4, or J-4 logistics roles with multi-modal joint responsibility. 
• Prior post-service experience standing up logistics functions at scaling defense-tech companies or defense OEMs. 
• Top Secret eligibility. 
• Direct ITAR / EAR shipping experience supporting OCONUS deployments for U.S. military or partner-nation customers. 
• Familiarity with Transportation Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS) tooling; Salesforce or Atlassian Jira literacy. 

 About Firestorm Firestorm is a California-headquartered defense-tech company building expeditionary advanced manufacturing systems (xCell), Group 1-3 modular Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Tempest), and Group 1 quadcopter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Squall, produced via the xCell manufacturing platform). We are 150 employees, Series B, and growing the Mission Success function from the ground up to deliver white-glove fielding, sustainment, and customer success for the operators who decide vendor credibility in the first 72 hours of operational use. Our Mission Success function is Warfighter First, Led by Warfighters — the team that fields the system is the team that fielded systems like it. Work Environment 

• Position is based onsite 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.
• Willingness and ability to travel 15-25%; CONUS site visits and exercise/trade-show coordination.

 Compensation 

• Base salary: $130,000 - $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 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. 

 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.