Enter a job title or keyword

Senior Software Integration Engineer (Payloads & Integrations)

Firestorm

Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 140000 - 155000

Posted: 29 September 2026 (21 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 27 December 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Department:

Engineering

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 is seeking a Senior Software Integration Engineer to join our Payloads & Integrations team. This role exists to accelerate the integration of new mission payloads and capabilities into Firestorms autonomous systems.

You will operate at the intersection of software hardware and mission systems developing the interfaces tooling and integrations required to rapidly deploy new payload capabilities. This includes integrating cameras radios sensors and other mission equipment through SDKs APIs and custom software workflows. You will work closely with Firestorms core software organization which owns the mainline software stack. Your role will be to rapidly develop and validate payload integrations through an out-of-cycle (branched) development process then collaborate with the broader software organization to upstream production-ready capabilities into future releases.

This is a hands-on IC engineering role for someone who enjoys moving quickly across software layers debugging complex systems and solving ambiguous integration problems.

What Youll Do

Build and maintain software interfaces between payload hardware mission applications and autonomy systems
Integrate SDKs and APIs for cameras gimbals radios sensors and other mission equipment
Develop tools and applications supporting payload configuration monitoring and control
Customize or extend mission applications such as QGroundControl TAK-based applications and related operator interfaces
Debug complex systems spanning Linux networking hardware interfaces and distributed software components
Build Docker-based deployment workflows for fielded software capabilities
Work within a side-branch development process and collaborate with the core software team to make upstream production-ready changes
Participate in field testing demonstrations and integration activities

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Computer Science Engineering or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
U.S. Citizenshiprequireddue to ITAR regulations.
5 years of professional software engineering experience.
Strong programming ability in one or more modern languages (C Python Rust Go Java TypeScript or similar).
Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard even when it creates discomfort.
Strong software engineering fundamentals with experience across multiple layers of the stack
Strong Linux experience including command-line workflows debugging and system administration tasks
Experience with networking fundamentals including TCP/IP UDP routing and network troubleshooting
Experience integrating software with external systems through APIs SDKs or communication protocols
Ability to quickly understand and modify large existing codebases
Experience developing reliable production software in fast-moving environments
Experience with Git including branching and upstream contributions

Preferred Qualifications

Background that includes both startup and scale-stage product engineering.
Experience with autonomous systems UAVs robotics or defense technology
Experience with QGroundControl MAVLink PX4 ArduPilot or similar platforms
Experience with TAK ecosystems or tactical mission applications
Experience integrating cameras gimbals radios or other payload hardware
Experience with embedded systems or edge computing environments
Experience with Docker and containerized deployments
Experience contributing changes back into shared production software repositories
Experience supporting field deployments and troubleshooting operational systems

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

This role includes occasional domestic travel (approximately 10%) for field testing payload integration demonstrations and operational support.

Compensation

US Salary Range: $140000 - $155000 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 atso we can provide the support you need.

Required Experience:

Senior IC

Apply Now