About the RoleFirestorm 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 You'll 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 Gazebo,JSBSim,AirSim,FlightGear, 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 build,packaging, 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 PX4,ArduPilot,MAVLink, or similar vehicle software platforms
- Strong understanding ofaircraftdynamics, flight controls, sensors, and propulsion
- Aerospace, defense, UAS, or autonomous-systems experience
Work EnvironmentThis 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.
CompensationUS Salary Range: $175,000 - $220,000 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.
Benefits & PerksOur 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 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.
