About the Role

At Firestorm, we are building autonomous aerial systems that operate where they are needed most, when they are needed most. Our mission requires speed, ingenuity, and a relentless commitment to engineering excellence. Firestorm is seeking a Project Engineer to drive execution and coordination across the full development lifecycle of our unmanned aerial systems. This role sits at the center of engineering, manufacturing, flight test, and program execution, ensuring designs move rapidly from concept to prototype, flight test, and production readiness.

This role blends systems engineering discipline, aerospace and mechanical fundamentals, and technical program execution to deliver safe, reliable, and rapidly iterated UAS platforms from concept through flight test and production. This role blends systems engineering discipline, hands on engineering, and agile program execution to rapidly develop, test, and mature UAS platforms from clean sheet concept to fielded capability. You will translate system goals into clear engineering plans, track deliverables and risks, coordinate cross functional technical efforts, and support hands on integration and flight activities.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast paced development environments, enjoys working closely with multidisciplinary engineers and operators, and takes pride in delivering systems that fly.

What You'll Do

• Manage technical maturity of UAS systems from concept through production, ensuring alignment with program timelines, budgets, and milestone gates
• Lead formal design and program reviews (SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PRR) while supporting rapid iteration and internal build fly learn cycles
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams including aero performance, mechanical, electrical, autonomy, software, propulsion, manufacturing, systems integration, flight test, and payload teams
• Translate mission and system specifications into derived requirements, interface definitions, and architecture documentation
• Maintain system architecture artifacts and interface control documentation while supporting agile development and configuration management
• Conduct and support technical reviews for structural analyses, aerodynamic assessments, subsystem integration, avionics and electrical architecture, autonomy and controls logic, and flight test plans
• Ensure complete subsystem integration across flight controls, navigation, communications, propulsion, power, avionics, autonomy, and payloads
• Define and map verification and validation methods and support development of test assets including HIL setups, ground rigs, instrumentation, and data pipelines
• Identify and communicate technical and program risks, airworthiness considerations, and integration issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Improve engineering workflows including systems engineering practices, digital engineering tools, and agile execution structures
• Develop and execute ground and flight test procedures, instrumentation strategies, and rapid data analysis loops
• Support and participate in ground and flight test operations, including integration, troubleshooting, and post flight assessments
• Ensure safety, airworthiness, and compliance with FAA UAS environments including Part 107 and COA operations
• Coordinate with suppliers, government partners, and mission users to align development with operational needs and program objectives
• Prepare technical reports, milestone packages, risk briefings, and readiness summaries for leadership and defense stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in an aerospace or defense engineering role supporting complex electromechanical systems, with at least 2 years as a Project Engineer.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Experience with aircraft platform development, integration, or flight system maturity
• Familiarity with flight controls, communications, power systems, avionics, or payload integration
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and first principles analysis
• Experience with CAD and simulation tools such as SolidWorks and MATLAB or Simulink
• Proficiency with systems engineering methodologies and technical program execution
• Strong communication, organizational, documentation and cross functional coordination skills
• Ability to operate in fast paced, iterative development environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in an aerospace or defense engineering role supporting complex electromechanical systems
• 2+ years in unmanned aerial systems or autonomous platforms
• Hands on aircraft or robotics experience such as FPV or RC aircraft, private pilot, experimental aircraft building, or flight test support
• Familiarity with autonomy, onboard compute, or AI or ML enabled edge systems
• Acquainted with DoD, NASA, or defense UAS programs
• Knowledge of FAA Part 107 and COA environments
• Understanding of UAS airworthiness and safety processes

Work Environment

• Based at our Headquarters 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
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed

Compensation

US Salary Range: $123,000 - $171,000 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 & 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 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 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.