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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
Leads end-to-end software and autonomy programs for unmanned aircraft systems, owning cost, schedule, technical performance, budgets, risks, roadmaps, software lifecycle planning, testing, documentation, and customer delivery. Coordinates engineering, flight test, manufacturing, and production teams; translates operator needs into prioritized requirements; manages government customer relationships and program reviews; ensures cybersecurity, export control, airworthiness, and safety compliance; and mentors junior program managers.
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.
The Staff Program Manager – Software & Autonomy leads the planning and execution of software and autonomy programs for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) delivered to defense customers. This role owns cost, schedule, and technical performance for software-intensive efforts, including flight software, autonomy and mission software, ground control systems, and integration with hardware platforms. The Senior PM translates operational needs into executable software roadmaps, aligns engineering, test, and production teams, and serves as the primary customer interface for software and autonomy deliverables.
- Own end-to-end execution of software and autonomy programs, including cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction
- Build and maintain program plans, integrated master schedules (IMS), and software release roadmaps aligned to contract milestones
- Manage program budgets, EAC/ETC, and variance analysis, and keep leadership informed of financial health
- Lead software development lifecycle planning from requirements through release, integration, and sustainment
- Coordinate software, autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, and manufacturing teams to ensure hardware/software integration and on-time delivery
- Translate customer and operator needs into prioritized requirements and capability increments, and redirect effort when stated requests differ from operational requirements
- Plan and support software test events, flight demonstrations, and operator feedback activities, and drive feedback into the development backlog
- Manage software CDRLs and documentation, such as Software Development Plans (SDPs), Software Version Descriptions (SVDs), and test reports
- Ensure software programs meet cybersecurity, export control (ITAR), and applicable airworthiness and safety requirements
- Identify, track, and mitigate program risks and issues, and escalate with options and recommendations
- Serve as primary point of contact for government customers, including COR, PM, and end users, and lead program reviews
- Mentor junior program managers and support continuous improvement of Program Office processes
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
- 8+ years of program or project management experience, including at least 4 years managing software-intensive programs
- Experience managing programs for DoD or other defense customers, including CDRLs, contract milestones, and customer reviews
- Demonstrated experience with Agile software development methods and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence) and with integrating Agile execution into an IMS
- Strong command of program financial management, including budgets, EAC/ETC, and cost and schedule variance analysis
- Working knowledge of software development lifecycle, configuration management, and release management
- Excellent communication skills, including briefing executives and government customers
- U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility
- Active Secret clearance or higher
- Experience with UAS, autonomy, robotics, or flight software programs
- Familiarity with autonomy architectures, open standards and ground control software
- Experience with EVM and program control tools
- PMP, PMI-ACP, or Scaled Agile (SAFe) certification
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling defense technology environment
Based at our Headquarters 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: $164,000 - $195,000 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 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 Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
- 8+ years of program or project management experience, including at least 4 years managing software-intensive programs
- Experience managing programs for Department of Defense or other defense customers, including CDRLs, contract milestones, and customer reviews
- Experience with Agile software development methods and tools such as Jira and Confluence, including integration of Agile execution into an integrated master schedule
- Strong program financial management experience, including budgets, EAC/ETC, and cost and schedule variance analysis
- Working knowledge of software development lifecycle, configuration management, and release management
- Excellent communication skills, including briefing executives and government customers
- U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility
- Active Secret clearance or higher
- Experience with UAS, autonomy, robotics, or flight software programs
- Familiarity with autonomy architectures, open standards, and ground control software
- Experience with EVM and program control tools
- PMP, PMI-ACP, or Scaled Agile (SAFe) certification
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling defense technology environment
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.
