Onsite in the San Diego Office

Firestorm, an unmanned aircraft system manufacturing company, grew out of a simple question: how does a US ally country with a relatively small defense budget deter an aggressor state with a vastly larger war chest? We’re building the answer to that question, something we call “democratized deterrence.” Firestorm is a VC-backed, defense-meets-Silicon Valley technology company developing mission-adaptable aerial vehicles to put the power back into the hands of the operator. We aim to upend the current defense procurement cost paradigm by bringing world-class capabilities to bear at meaningfully lower costs.

About The Role

Firestorm is seeking a Project Engineer to lead the integration of mission systems, sensors, and other complex subsystems into our next-generation small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). This individual will drive hardware/software integration efforts across cross-functional teams and ensure program success from concept through deployment. You’ll help shape the technical roadmap and execution strategy for bringing Firestorm’s modular UAS platforms to life

Technical Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical integrator for multi-disciplinary systems including payloads, communications, avionics, and ground control stations.
• Define and manage subsystem and system-level requirements, interfaces, and integration plans.
• Develop and execute engineering project plans, schedules, and risk management strategies for sUAS integration efforts.
• Interface with internal design teams and external vendors to ensure hardware and software compatibility.
• Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies in collaboration with systems, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams.
• Track integration progress across teams to ensure on-time delivery of milestones.
• Manage configuration baselines, verification plans, and system validation activities.
• Plan field testing activities including test readiness, test execution, and performance analysis.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in proposal development and program capture strategies for integration-focused efforts.
• Coordinate with program managers to ensure technical execution aligns with program goals and constraints.
  
  

Technical Experience Required

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident capable of obtaining and maintaining a DoD security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years of engineering experience, including 2+ years in a project engineering or technical lead role
• Experience integrating mission-critical systems in aerospace or defense platforms (preferably sUAS)
• Strong understanding of system interfaces, communication protocols, and embedded hardware/software
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and technical execution
• Proficiency with requirements management, risk analysis, and configuration management tools
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
  
  

Bonus Skills / Experience

• Master’s Degree (MBA or Engineering Management)
• Experience with swappable payloads, C2 datalinks, or ISR systems
• Familiarity with modular open systems architecture (MOSA) or FACE standards
• Experience working with DoD customers or in a defense acquisition environment
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, or similar project tracking tools
• Field experience with UAS testing and validation
• PMP certification and current status
• Familiarity with DoD standards related to sUAS
• Experience interfacing with the defense industry and/or military personnel
  
  

Other Requirements

• Travel up to 30% (Domestic and International)
• Ability to lift 30lbs
• Ability to understand and adhere to local labor laws and firestorm employment policies
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Firestorm is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. Our culture at Firestorm fosters collaboration, respect, and trust to empower passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth.

What We Offer

• Salary: up to 160k per year
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Long term disability insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Optional Benefits:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• FSA
• HSA (requires a high deductible health insurance plan)
• Hospital insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Accident insurance
  
  

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