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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
The Project Engineer will support the design and integration of weapon systems on UAS platforms, ensuring compliance with safety and regulations, while coordinating testing and documentation.
Summary Generated by Built In
Who We Are
About the Role
What You’ll Do
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Work Environment
Compensation
Benefits & Perks
Export Control Compliance
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that.
We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need.
We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.
Firestorm is building next-generation, deployable combat systems and we’re looking for a Project Engineer, to join our Munitions Group. In this role, you’ll support the design, integration, test, and certification of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors on our tactical sUAS platforms, ensuring safe, effective, and compliant weapons employment from concept through field deployment.
This role will tackle the full weapons integration lifecycle both technical and programmatic. One day may fly by on new concept development and design, while the next may be test support on the range evaluating effect on target. From safe/arm and release systems, to interface documentation and preliminary design reviews – you’ll be a driver behind developing not just theoretical capabilities, but fielding mission-ready payloads that operators will carry into live environments. You’ll work at the intersection of warfighter intent and technical execution, balancing rigor with agility, and compliance with tactical need. From loitering munitions to emerging payloads, you’ll help shape a flexible and scalable effects architecture that brings precision to the squad level and beyond.
This career is for engineers who think like tacticians, sweat the details, and thrive in a fast-moving, multi-disciplinary environment.
- Serve as project engineer for munition-related efforts, including integration, testing, and certification of kinetic and non-kinetic payloads on sUAS platforms.
- Develop and support system- and subsystem-level requirements for munitions, release systems, and stores management, with an emphasis on modularity and scalability.
- Contribute to system architecture design and analysis; troubleshoot conflicting design or integration requirements across payload, airframe, and control systems.
- Spearhead the physical and electrical integration of weapons, including mounting solutions, safety mechanisms, and interface control documentation (ICDs).
- Plan and execute test campaigns across lab, ground, and flight environments—supporting test readiness reviews, live-fire events, and post-test data analysis.
- Support the compliance lead ensuring all munition systems comply with DoD safety, airworthiness, and export regulations (e.g., MIL-STD, AFMAN, ITAR).
- Develop and present technical material at internal and external design reviews, customer meetings, and certification milestones.
- Coordinate with external partners on warhead design, guidance packages, fuzing systems, and energetic materials.
- Lead or support the development of Explosive Safety Submissions (ESS), range safety documentation, and coordination with range authorities.
- Provide technical direction to internal design, integration, and test teams throughout the development lifecycle.
- Collaborate closely with program managers to align technical execution with program objectives, schedules, and constraints.
- Interface with customers, government stakeholders, and vendors to ensure delivery of operationally relevant and technically sound weapon systems.
- Support proposal efforts, white papers, and early-phase concept development for future munitions capabilities.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field — or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience, including at least 2 years directly supporting weapons or munitions integration.
- Direct experience with integration or employment of air-delivered munitions, weapons release systems, or loitering munitions, preferably on Group 1–4 UAS or manned platforms.
- Strong experience in organization and documenting test events (plans and post reports), especially including the use of explosive materials
- Familiarity with range safety procedures, explosive hazard classifications, and test range coordination.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interface with other departments and represent the organization as a prime technical contact.
- Demonstrated experience with CAD-based mechanical design and subsequent prototyping of engineering components via sub-contract manufacturing.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to formulate and implement plans to resolve technical engineering problems.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Specific experience with munitions or similar explosive based test events.
- Working knowledge of MIL-STD-1316, safing/fuzing mechanisms, weapons release hardware, and applicable DoD safety/certification protocols.
- Experience with Stores Management Systems, aircraft-carried weapons, or weapons datalink integration.
- Familiarity with Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), STANAG 4586, and related interoperability standards.
- Hands-on field experience conducting flight or ground testing of UAS platforms.
- Experience working with military range authorities and writing Explosive Safety Submissions (ESS).
- Familiarity with test instrumentation, telemetry, and post-test data analysis.
- Experience working with DoD customers or within the defense acquisition environment.
- Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, or similar project tracking tools.
- Field experience with UAS testing and validation.
- PMP certification.
- Active DoD security clearance.
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
- Ability to travel up to 20%, both CONUS and OCONUS.
- PPE is provided; adherence to all safety protocols and environmental controls is mandatory.
- Ability to lift 30lbs
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.
US Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000 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.
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 vision 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.
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.
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] so we can provide the support you need.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field
- Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience, including at least 2 years in weapons or munitions integration
- Direct experience with integration or employment of air-delivered munitions
- Strong experience in organizing and documenting test events involving explosive materials
- Familiarity with range safety procedures and test range coordination
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated experience with CAD-based mechanical design
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
Firestorm Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Firestorm and has not been reviewed or approved by Firestorm.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive across medical, dental, and vision, with company‑paid life/AD&D and short‑ and long‑term disability plus optional hospital indemnity, critical illness, and accident insurance. Tax‑advantaged accounts and mental‑health resources are also highlighted.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes “unlimited PTO” and an unusually generous holiday calendar that features a year‑end hiatus. Generous parental leave is also called out.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Multiple postings list explicit salary ranges for roles across engineering, operations, and field positions, and internship hourly rates are published. These disclosures provide clearer expectations on cash compensation for many candidates.
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The Company
What We Do
We are building the future of modular, open-source architectures supporting the Department of Defense requirements to create Affordable Mass. Firestorm is redefining military expectations for on-site modularity to support the widest array of mission areas.
