Firestorm
Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform
Firestorm, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform
Join to apply for the Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform role at Firestorm
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 - $176,000
Benefits & Perks
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
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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 - $176,000
Benefits & Perks
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
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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.
#J-18808-Ljbffr