Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform

WHO WE ARE

At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are

designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively

deter aggressors — regardless of their defense budget — through innovative,

cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a

VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re

pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power

back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re

pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional

defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction

of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement,

making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and driven Firmware Engineer who has a

specialized focus in embedded platforms.

In this role, you will

• support the
• development, integration, and deployment of avionics and embedded systems for
• our next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This position will advance
• our flight-critical firmware and avionics systems by ensuring they meet key
• performance and reliability standards, while enabling full mission readiness.
• You will work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate flight-critical
• systems, resolve complex technical issues across domains, and support both IRAD
• and field operations. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented and
• comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, where rapid iteration and
• field validation are core to success.
• WHAT YOU'LL DO
• * Develop and optimize low-level embedded software in C++, advancing firmware
• on avionics systems, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded
• subsystems with a focus on performance, reliability, and safety
• * Port frameworks and applications to new RTOSes and new hardware platforms,
• including creating Board Support Packages (BSPs), adapting Hardware
• Abstraction Layers (HALs), and configuring cross-compilation toolchains for
• architectures such as ARM Cortex-M
• * Create and integrate peripheral drivers for interfaces like I2C, SPI, UART,
• ADC, and wireless protocols
• * Collaborate with hardware teams to validate firmware incorporating features
• like secure boot, watchdogs, and fault-tolerant designs for reliability.
• * Conduct unit and integration testing, including fault injection and MISRA C
• compliance checks, to maintain high standards in safety-critical
• applications.
• * Diagnose and resolve cross-domain issues across electromechanical, software,
• networking, and RF subsystems in both lab and operational environments
• * Develop and maintain 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 Firestorm’s
• manufacturing and simulation capabilities to accelerate deployment cycles
• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• * Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical Engineering,
• or a related field.
• * At least 5 years of experience in embedded systems development.
• * U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the 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.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• * 7+ years of experience in embedded systems development.
• * Experience in high-tech, aerospace or DoD-related manufacturing environments,
• including prior work in the military or with spacecraft, or aircraft.
• * Proven track record delivering 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
• ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• * Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to support offsite
• deployments.
• * Willingness to travel up to 15% domestically within a calendar year in
• support of field operations, integration events, customer support and
• testing.
• 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.
• This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing
• environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve
• exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). This is a
• fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with
• independent and team-based responsibilities. The physical demands described here
• are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the
• essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and
• move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate
• standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise,
• heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).
• COMPENSATION
• U.S. Range: $132,000 - $178,000
• 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.