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Project Engineer, UAS Development
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 123000 - 171000
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
2 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
29 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Department:
Job Summary
Who We Are
At Firestorm were building toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics. That means equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Not in months not from a depot halfway around the world but now in the field on demand.
Were a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that produces and sustains modular mission-adaptable unmanned systems parts and components for repair and sustainment and the software to transform point solutions into a network of strategic assets.
Were building a team of engineers operators and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot rely only on expensive exquisite platforms made in centralized factories. We build and field affordable systems using distributed production capabilities at the edge. If you want to solve challenging problems that will reshape the future of defense youre in the right place.
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 Youll 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
- Bachelors 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: $123000 - $171000 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
