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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
Owns propulsion development and integration for small piston engines and microturbojets powering sUAS platforms. Responsibilities include engine selection, fuel and exhaust system design, ECU calibration, test-stand and flight testing, failure investigation, propeller qualification, thermal and electrical integration, documentation, and vendor technical leadership. The role is hands-on at test stands, engine cells, and flight lines, with up to 20% domestic travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
Firestorm is hiring a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion who will own the propulsion systems that power our sUAS platforms—from small piston and heavy-fuel engines to the fuel, induction, ignition, and exhaust architectures that surround them. You will be responsible for engine selection, integration, calibration, and qualification across Firestorm’s fuel-based aircraft, translating mission endurance and performance requirements into producible powerplant solutions.
This is a deeply hands-on, full-time role. You will spend time at the test stand, in the engine cell, and on the flight line. You will design and instrument test articles, develop ECU calibrations, investigate failures, and partner with airframe and systems engineering to make sure our propulsion systems deliver power, endurance, and reliability across the full operational envelope.
What You'll Do
- Own development and integration of both small piston engines and micro turbojet propulsion systems, including engine selection, inlet/exhaust configuration, fuel and ignition architecture, thrust and power characterization, and ground/flight test campaigns tailored to each propulsion type.
- Develop and execute engine test plans on test stands and in-flight: power and torque mapping, BSFC characterization, endurance runs, vibration surveys, and altitude/temperature performance testing.
- Lead engine calibration and tuning, including AFR targets, EGT management, ignition timing, and injector strategy on EFI-equipped powerplants; identify and mitigate single-injector maldistribution and other cylinder-to-cylinder variability.
- Design and analyze fuel systems—tanks, lines, pumps, filters, regulators, and fuel pressure management—across the full flight envelope, including negative-G and altitude effects.
- Investigate and root-cause propulsion anomalies (RPM collapse, lean events, misfires, mechanical failures); develop structured multi-phase test plans and drive corrective action.
- Specify and qualify propellers in coordination with aerodynamics, balancing thrust, efficiency, ground clearance, acoustic signature, and vibration.
- Develop and maintain propulsion engineering documentation: interface control documents, test plans and reports, propulsion budgets (power, fuel burn, endurance), and configuration baselines.
- Partner with thermal engineering on engine cooling, exhaust routing, and heat rejection.
- Partner with electrical engineering on ECU integration, sensor selection, harnessing, and telemetry.
- Interface with engine OEMs, fuel system vendors, and propeller manufacturers as the technical lead for propulsion procurement and qualification.
- Travel to test sites and customer locations to support propulsion test events and field troubleshooting.
- Perform other duties as directed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or a related field.
- 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 required due to ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status
- 7+ years of experience in propulsion engineering small piston engines
- Deep working knowledge of internal combustion fundamentals: thermodynamic cycles, AFR, combustion, knock, ignition systems, and exhaust
- Hands-on experience designing and operating engine test stands, including dyno instrumentation, fuel flow measurement, EGT/CHT instrumentation, and data acquisition
- Experience with EFI Systems
- Experience with fuel system design across the full flight envelope including: altitude, attitude, and thermal effects on fuel delivery and pressure
- Experience running structured failure investigations (RCA, FMEA, FMECA or FTA) and translating findings into multi-phase test campaigns
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for engine data reduction, log analysis, and performance modeling
- Familiarity with propeller selection and matching for fixed-wing platforms
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic startup environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Heavy Fuel systems
- A master’s in similar discipline
- Experience with sUAS or Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft propulsion
- Experience with heavy-fuel (JP-5/JP-8) engine integration and qualification
- Experience reverse-engineering proprietary ECU data formats or building custom log analysis pipelines
- Background in flight test, including FAA Part 107 or Part 61 operations
Who We Are
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.
Work Environment
- The position is working onsite in San Diego, CA. at Headquarters
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically for testing and demonstrations
- Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and 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 and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Compensation
- Base salary: $180,000 - $215,000 base, commensurate with experience
- Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company
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 holiday hiatuses 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.
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] so we can provide the support you need.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related field
- U.S. Person status as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, or eligibility to obtain required ITAR and EAR authorizations
- 7+ years of experience in propulsion engineering involving small piston engines
- Deep knowledge of internal combustion fundamentals, including thermodynamic cycles, AFR, combustion, knock, ignition systems, and exhaust
- Hands-on experience designing and operating engine test stands, including dyno instrumentation, fuel flow measurement, EGT/CHT instrumentation, and data acquisition
- Experience with electronic fuel injection systems
- Experience designing fuel systems across altitude, attitude, and thermal operating conditions
- Experience conducting structured failure investigations using RCA, FMEA, FMECA, or FTA and developing multi-phase test campaigns
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for engine data reduction, log analysis, and performance modeling
- Familiarity with propeller selection and matching for fixed-wing platforms
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment
- Experience with heavy-fuel systems
- Master's degree in a related discipline
- Experience with sUAS or Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft propulsion
- Experience integrating and qualifying heavy-fuel JP-5/JP-8 engines
- Experience reverse-engineering proprietary ECU data formats or building custom log-analysis pipelines
- Flight-test background, including FAA Part 107 or Part 61 operations
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.
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