Applied AI & Optimization Engineer
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 140000 - 185000
Yearly Salary:
Posted on:
Yesterday
Posted on:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Department:
Job Summary
Who We Are
Firestorm is building the next generation of uncrewedaircraftand the advanced manufacturing systems that deliver them at speed. The Software Integration & Operations department owns the software layer that spans factory floor to cloud - the applications automation edge systems and intelligence that make it possible to iterate product designs automate advanced manufacturing and scale production with uncompromising quality and rigor.
Firestorms manufacturing platform has an intelligence layer - a planning workbench a simulation engine an analytics surface and eventually an AI assistant - that turns operational data into better decisions. Building this layer requires applied math pragmatic ML systems engineering and a deep understanding of the manufacturing domain it serves. As an Applied AI & Optimization Engineer you will own the algorithms and systems behind this intelligence layer. Near-term your focus is the planning workbench and simulation engine: optimization algorithms for work order scheduling resource allocation and conflict resolution. Longer-term you will lead integration of open-source and custom LLMs into the platforms AI assistant - including air-gapped and on-edge deployments for DoD contexts.
What Youll Do
- Own the optimization algorithms behind the planning workbench and simulation engine - scheduling resource allocation constraint satisfaction conflict detection.
- Design and implement the analytics layer of the platform: defect trends yield analytics throughput modeling and operational intelligence.
- Lead the platforms AI assistant integration: selecting evaluating deploying and fine-tuning open-source or custom LLMs for cloud air-gapped and on-edge contexts.
- Productionize optimization and ML systems in partnership with full-stack and infrastructure engineers - reliable services the platform depends on not prototypes.
- Partner with domain experts in manufacturing engineering quality and planning to ground models and algorithms in real operational constraints.
- Evaluate and advocate for build-vs-buy decisions across optimization libraries ML tooling and model vendors.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Computer Science Engineering or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- U.S. Citizenshiprequireddue to ITAR regulations
- 5 years of engineering experience with substantial applied optimization operations research or ML systems work.
- Deepproficiencyin Python; fluency with at least one optimization framework - MILP solvers constraint solvers OR-Tools or equivalent.
- Track recordof productionizing algorithmic systems - you have shipped optimization or ML into real users hands not just research artifacts.
- Strong applied math foundation: combinatorial optimization heuristics or statistical modeling relevant to scheduling and resource allocation problems.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with domain experts and translate operational constraints into model formulations.
- Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard even when it creates discomfort.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience building scheduling planning or resource allocation systems for manufacturinglogistics or similar domains.
- Hands-on experience deploying or fine-tuning open-source LLMs (Llama Mistral or similar) for constrained environments.
- Background with air-gapped or on-edge model deployment.
- Familiarity with discrete-event simulation or agent-based modeling.
- Prior experience in defense aerospace or regulated industry applications.
Work Environment
- Remote (U.S.) with theoptionto be based at our Headquarters in San Diego welcome candidates who are local or open torelocating; relocationassistanceis available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate
- Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations
Compensation
US Salary Range: $140000 - $185000 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.
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 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 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 dont hesitate to reach out to us at so we can provide the support you need.
Required Experience:
IC
