SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Firestorm is a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering mission-adaptable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to democratize advanced defense capabilities for U.S. allies. The company is reimagining defense procurement by delivering cutting-edge aerial vehicle technology at a fraction of traditional costs.
As a Senior Firmware Engineer focused on embedded platforms, you will lead the development, integration, and deployment of flight-critical avionics and embedded systems for next-generation UAS. This is a hands-on technical role requiring deep expertise in low-level embedded software development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and optimize embedded firmware in C++ for avionics systems, flight controllers, mission payloads, and embedded subsystems with emphasis on performance, reliability, and safety
- Port frameworks and applications to new real-time operating systems (RTOS) and hardware platforms; create Board Support Packages (BSPs) and Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs)
- Design 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 verification for safety-critical applications
- Diagnose and resolve cross-domain technical issues spanning electromechanical, software, networking, and RF subsystems in lab and field environments
- Develop test automation scripts and integration tools using Python, C/C++, Bash, and Shell
- Translate mission requirements into technical specifications and integration plans
- Design, execute, and document comprehensive test plans, integration guides, and troubleshooting manuals
- Support manufacturing and field operations with up to 15% domestic travel for deployments and customer support
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering; 5+ years embedded systems development experience; U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain DoD security clearance (ITAR required); strong Linux/Windows proficiency; expertise in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++; demonstrated networking knowledge (Ethernet, TCP/IP, VPNs, VLANs, wireless); understanding of virtualization tools (Docker, Kubernetes, VMware); cybersecurity awareness for embedded systems; strong technical writing skills.
Preferred: 7+ years embedded systems experience; aerospace/DoD manufacturing background; prior sUAS/UAS platform delivery; expertise in MISRA C++, DO-178C, IEC 62304, ISO 26262; PX4 Autopilot proficiency; ROS/robotics middleware experience; simulation tools (Gazebo, Unreal Engine, Unity); FAA UAS regulatory knowledge; valid driver's license for field deployments.
