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Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform

Firestorm

Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 132000 - 178000

Posted: 11 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 8 October 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Department:

Engineering

Job Summary

Who We Are

At Firestorm were on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors regardless of their defense budget through innovative cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision democratized a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley were pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness were pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

About the Role

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and driven Firmware Engineer who has a specialized focus in embedded 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 Youll 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 Firestorms manufacturing and simulation capabilities to accelerate deployment cycles

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors 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 drivers 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 be physically capable of tolerating loud noise heat cold dust or chemicals (with PPE).

Compensation

U.S. Range: $132000 - $178000

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:

Senior IC

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