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Engineering Manager, Simulation
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 175000 - 220000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
29 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
27 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Department:
Job Summary
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.
About the Role
Firestorm builds modular autonomousaircraftdesigned to adapt across missions payloads and deployment environments. Developing and testing thoseaircraftrequires simulation that can evolve just as quickly.
We are hiring an Engineering Manager to lead the Simulation team and build the software infrastructure and tools used to develop test train anddemonstrateFirestormaircaft.
You will take ownership of an existing simulation capability and grow it into a reusable UAS simulation platform. The team will support interactive developer workflows automated SIL/HIL testing scenario orchestration training and mission demonstrations across Firestormaircraftand their variants.
What Youll Do
- Lead the Simulation team Own the team responsible foraircraftsimulation infrastructure tools models and integrations.
- Build the simulation platform Develop a reusable simulation capability acrossaircraft payloads sensors propulsion systems and compute configurations.
- Enable software development and test Provide interactive and headless environments used byaircraftsoftware teams and automated SIL/HIL test systems.
- Build scenario orchestration Develop tools for defining configuring executing and replayingaircraftand mission scenarios.
- Scale simulation execution Build infrastructure for repeatable local CI and distributed simulation runs.
- Integrate theaircraftstack Connect flight software autonomy vehicle models sensors actuators communications and otheraircraftsystems into simulation.
- Support training and demonstrations Build simulation capabilities that can be used for operator training mission development and customer demonstrations.
- Grow the team Hire and develop engineers with strong simulation software and UAS fundamentals.
Required Qualifications
- 8 years of software simulation robotics or related engineering experience
- 3 years leading software engineering teams
- U.S. personrequireddue to ITAR regulations
- Hands-on experience building or integrating simulation systems foraircraft UAS robotics or other complex physical systems
- Experience with GazeboJSBSimAirSimFlightGear or similar simulation frameworks
- Strong C and Python or similar software engineering experience
- Experience with SIL HIL or other integrated simulation environments
- Experience integrating flight software vehicle models sensors actuators or hardware interfaces into simulation
- Strong buildpackaging deployment and distribution of applications across multiple OS.
- Experience building automated reproducible simulation or test environments
- Demonstrated ability to debug complex problems across simulation software networking and hardware boundaries
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with PX4ArduPilotMAVLink or similar vehicle software platforms
- Strong understanding ofaircraftdynamics flight controls sensors and propulsion
- Aerospace defense UAS or autonomous-systems experience
Work Environment
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.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $175000 $220000 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 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 dont hesitate to reach out to us at so we can provide the support you need.
Required Experience:
Manager
