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Salary: USD 132,000 - 178,000 / annual
Firestorm is a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering mission-adaptable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to democratize advanced defense capabilities for U.S. ally nations. The company aims to deliver world-class defense technology at a fraction of traditional procurement costs by combining Silicon Valley innovation with aerospace engineering.
In this Senior Firmware Engineer role, you will lead the development, integration, and deployment of flight-critical avionics and embedded systems for next-generation UAS platforms. You will be responsible for advancing firmware on avionics systems, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems with emphasis on performance, reliability, and safety in mission-critical applications.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and optimize low-level embedded software in C++ for avionics systems, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems
- Port frameworks and applications to new RTOSes and hardware platforms, including creating Board Support Packages (BSPs), adapting Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs), and configuring cross-compilation toolchains for ARM Cortex-M and similar architectures
- Create and integrate peripheral drivers for I2C, SPI, UART, ADC, and wireless protocols
- Collaborate with hardware teams to validate firmware incorporating secure boot, watchdogs, and fault-tolerant designs
- Conduct unit and integration testing, including fault injection and MISRA C compliance checks for safety-critical applications
- Diagnose and resolve cross-domain issues across electromechanical, software, networking, and RF subsystems in lab and operational environments
- Develop embedded software, test automation scripts, and integration tools using Python, C/C++, Bash, and Shell
- Translate mission and operational requirements into technical specifications and integration plans
- Design, execute, and document test plans, integration guides, test reports, and troubleshooting manuals
- Collaborate with internal engineering teams and leverage manufacturing and simulation capabilities to accelerate deployment cycles
The role is based at headquarters in San Diego and requires on-site presence. You will work in a fast-paced environment with cross-departmental collaboration, operating in standard office and manufacturing settings. The position may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). Travel up to 15% domestically is required to support field operations, integration events, and customer support.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- At least 5 years of experience in embedded systems development
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations and ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Strong networking knowledge, including configuration and troubleshooting of Ethernet, TCP/IP, VPNs, VLANs, and wireless systems
- Proficient with Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat) and Windows systems, with strong command-line skills
- Extensive programming and scripting experience in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++, including embedded software development
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot across embedded software, avionics hardware, and RF communications
- Understanding of virtualization and container tools such as VMware, Docker, or Kubernetes
- Awareness of cybersecurity principles as they apply to embedded systems and tactical networks
- Strong technical writing skills for documenting systems, procedures, and troubleshooting steps
- Valid driver's license with clean driving record to support offsite deployments
Preferred Qualifications:
- 7+ years of experience in embedded systems development
- Experience in high-tech, aerospace, or DoD-related manufacturing environments, including prior work in military, spacecraft, or aircraft
- Proven track record delivering small UAS (sUAS) or UAS platforms from development through fielding in defense or commercial domains
- Expertise in writing and managing system-level test plans, verification protocols, and requirements traceability
- Familiarity with MISRA C++, DO-178C, IEC 62304, ISO 26262, or similar industry standards
- Proficiency with PX4 Autopilot, including configuration, parameter tuning, and diagnostics
- Working knowledge of ROS or equivalent robotics middleware for autonomous systems
- Experience using simulation tools such as Gazebo, Unreal Engine, or Unity for mission modeling
- Understanding of cybersecurity risks related to unmanned systems, RF networks, and embedded avionics
- Knowledge of FAA regulatory frameworks and airworthiness certification processes for UAS platforms
