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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
Lead integration of third-party SDKs, APIs, mission systems, payloads, and software into Linux-based autonomous aircraft platforms. Build integration tools, debug issues across networking, hardware interfaces, and distributed systems, and deliver production-ready software. Collaborate across autonomy, avionics, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams. Support field testing and operational integration activities.
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 builds modular autonomous aircraft designed to adapt across missions, payloads, and deployment environments.
Firestorm OS is the common software platform that enables those aircraft. It provides the Linux-based services, communications, media, hardware interfaces, SDKs, and system capabilities used across Firestorm aircraft and their variants.
As the aircraft portfolio grows, Firestorm OS has to remain reusable across different sensors, payloads, radios, propulsion systems, and compute platforms while integrating with systems provided by partners and government.
We are hiring a Senior Software Engineer in the Firestorm OS group to lead integrations. You will own the integrations with third party SDK’s from partners and governement. You will also contribute to the integration of third party payloads. You will work across autonomy, avionics, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering to ensure integration and interoperability of the evolving aircraft portfolio.
- Lead software integrations — Own the integration of third-party SDKs, APIs, and software systems from partners and government into Firestorm's aircraft and software platform.
- Integrate mission systems — Build and maintain software interfaces between external systems, mission applications, autonomy systems, and Firestorm OS.
- Integrate payloads — Own the integration of payloads from concept to release: cameras, gimbals, radios, sensors, and other third-party mission equipment.
- Build integration tools — Develop tools and applications that support system configuration, monitoring, control, and integration activities.
- Debug the full system — Lead resolution of problems spanning Linux, networking, hardware interfaces, and distributed software components.
- Drive production-ready integrations — Collaborate with the core software team to make integration changes production-ready and contribute them to shared software repositories.
- Support field integration — Participate in field testing, demonstrations, and integration activities to ensure integrated capabilities work as expected in operational environments.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
- Strong C++ programming ability and software engineering fundamentals.
- Experience working across multiple layers of the software stack.
- Strong Linux experience, including command-line workflows, debugging, and system administration tasks.
- Experience with networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, and network troubleshooting.
- Experience integrating software with external systems through APIs, SDKs, or communication protocols.
- Ability to quickly understand and modify large existing codebases.
- Experience developing reliable production software in fast-moving environments.
- Experience with Git, including branching and contributing changes to shared production software repositories.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across software and hardware engineering teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
- Experience building software for autonomous systems, robotics, aircraft, or other complex embedded products
- Experience with vehicle or robotics interfaces such as MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, or similar platforms
- Experience building SDKs, hardware abstraction layers, or platform APIs for other engineering teams
- This role is based in San Diego, CA.
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
US Salary Range: $145,000 – $165,000 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 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 July & 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 Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
- 5+ years of professional software engineering experience
- Strong C++ programming ability and software engineering fundamentals
- Experience working across multiple layers of the software stack
- Strong Linux experience, including command-line workflows, debugging, and system administration
- Experience with networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, and network troubleshooting
- Experience integrating software with external systems through APIs, SDKs, or communication protocols
- Ability to understand and modify large existing codebases
- Experience developing reliable production software in fast-moving environments
- Experience with Git, branching, and contributing changes to shared production repositories
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work across software and hardware engineering teams
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
- Experience building software for autonomous systems, robotics, aircraft, or complex embedded products
- Experience with vehicle or robotics interfaces such as MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, or similar platforms
- Experience building SDKs, hardware abstraction layers, or platform APIs for engineering teams
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.
