Applied AI & Optimization Engineer

Who We Are

Firestorm is building the next generation of uncrewed aircraft and the advanced

manufacturing systems that deliver them at speed. The Software Integration &

Operations department owns the software layer that spans factory floor to cloud

- the applications, automation, edge systems, and intelligence that make it

possible to iterate product designs, automate advanced manufacturing, and scale

production with uncompromising quality and rigor.

Firestorm's manufacturing platform has an intelligence layer - a planning

workbench, a simulation engine, an analytics surface, and eventually an AI

assistant - that turns operational data into better decisions. Building this

layer requires applied math, pragmatic ML systems engineering, and a deep

understanding of the manufacturing domain it serves. As an Applied AI &

Optimization Engineer, you will own the algorithms and systems behind this

intelligence layer. Near-term, your focus is the planning workbench and

simulation engine: optimization algorithms for work order scheduling, resource

allocation, and conflict resolution. Longer-term, you will lead integration of

open-source and custom LLMs into the platform's AI assistant - including

air-gapped and on-edge deployments for DoD contexts.

What You'll Do

• * Own the optimization algorithms behind the planning workbench and simulation
• engine - scheduling, resource allocation, constraint satisfaction, conflict
• detection.
• * Design and implement the analytics layer of the platform: defect trends,
• yield analytics, throughput modeling, and operational intelligence.
• * Lead the platform's AI assistant integration: selecting, evaluating,
• deploying, and fine-tuning open-source or custom LLMs for cloud, air-gapped,
• and on-edge contexts.
• * Productionize optimization and ML systems in partnership with full-stack and
• infrastructure engineers - reliable services the platform depends on, not
• prototypes.
• * Partner with domain experts in manufacturing engineering, quality, and
• planning to ground models and algorithms in real operational constraints.
• * Evaluate and advocate for build-vs-buy decisions across optimization
• libraries, ML tooling, and model vendors.
• Required Qualifications
• * Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or
• equivalent practical experience)
• * U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations
• * 5+ years of engineering experience with substantial applied optimization,
• operations research, or ML systems work.
• * Deep proficiency in Python; fluency with at least one optimization framework
• - MILP solvers, constraint solvers, OR-Tools, or equivalent.
• * Track record of productionizing algorithmic systems - you have shipped
• optimization or ML into real users' hands, not just research artifacts.
• * Strong applied math foundation: combinatorial optimization, heuristics, or
• statistical modeling relevant to scheduling and resource allocation
• problems.
• * Demonstrated ability to partner with domain experts and translate operational
• constraints into model formulations.
• * Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high
• standard, even when it creates discomfort.

Preferred Qualifications

• * Prior experience building scheduling, planning, or resource allocation
• systems for manufacturing, logistics, or similar domains.
• * Hands-on experience deploying or fine-tuning open-source LLMs (Llama,
• Mistral, or similar) for constrained environments.
• * Background with air-gapped or on-edge model deployment.
• * Familiarity with discrete-event simulation or agent-based modeling.
• * Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or regulated industry applications.
• 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.

Compensation

US Salary Range: $140,000 - $185,000 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:

* 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 a holiday hiatus in

November, & 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 [email protected]

[[email protected]] so we can provide the support you need.