Chief Engineer

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 Labs is looking for a Chief Engineer to serve as the technical lead for a UAS development program. The core of this role is authority over the vehicle's hardware and software architecture. Working closely with the program manager and technical leads, you’ll ensure the vehicle meets program objectives with appropriate technical risk.
What You'll Do

- Own the program's hardware and software architecture. Define the system architecture and how it interfaces with common platform architectures. You’ll make the final call on architectural trade-offs across hardware and software and ensure the platform maintains software and payload modularity.
- Technical oversight for the program. You’ll serve as the one person accountable for whether the vehicle's design is technically sound end-to-end, resolving disagreements between mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software leads assigned to this program.
- Own program verification & validation. Define the T&E strategy for the program, spanning component/subsystem test, integration test, and flight test. Approve test plans, review results, and make the go/no-go call on whether evidence supports proceeding to the next phase.
- Drive design reviews. Chair PDR/CDR-style reviews for this program, red-team the architecture before it's locked, and maintain the technical risk register for this specific vehicle.
- Interface with the Program Manager as a technical peer. Align architecture and test schedule with program cost/schedule constraints, escalate trade-offs that affect program commitments, and give the PM an honest technical readiness assessment at each gate.
- Maintain configuration control over the architecture. Ensure changes to the hardware/software architecture are deliberate, documented, and traceable and technical debt is recorded and resolved.
- Represent the program's technical maturity externally. Support customer technical interchange meetings and government airworthiness/safety reviews specific to this program, speaking authoritatively to architecture and test evidence.

What You'll Need

- 15+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or a comparably safety- and performance-critical hardware domain, including direct ownership of a system architecture spanning both hardware and software/firmware.
- Previous experience over test and evaluation, including defining test strategy, approving test plans, and making go/no-go calls based on test evidence.
- Demonstrated ability to ingest dynamic and complex information and decisively act to push the program forward.
- Fluency across the hardware/software boundary: able to make credible architectural trade-offs between mechanical/electrical design and firmware/software/autonomy design, not just one side of it.
- Experience with UAS, missiles, or other expendable/attritable aerospace systems strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of flight test methodology and structured T&E practices (test matrices, success criteria, anomaly/root-cause process).
- Strong written and verbal communication.

Nice to Have
- Prior experience as a chief engineer, DER, or technical lead on a single named program from architecture through flight test.
- Experience standing up a T&E program from scratch on a new vehicle, rather than inheriting an established one.
- Experience with low-cost, high-rate manufacturing philosophies.
- Experience with payload and autonomy integrations.

What Success Looks Like
- The program's architecture is coherent across hardware and software, with trade-offs made deliberately rather than by default. Clear connectivity to common platform architectures.
- Test and evaluation produces evidence and drives technical decisions.
- Clear communication through leadership and across functions for upcoming milestones and needs.

Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
- 12+ years of experience in aerospace development, with at least 3 years in a Project Engineer or equivalent technical program execution role.
- Experience in aircraft architecture, airframe development, or aircraft software development. Experience with flight controls, communications, or payload integration highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience building or substantially improving an engineering process (e.g., design review structure, configuration management, verification planning)—not just following an existing one.
- Ability to work in fast-paced, evolving environments with rapid development cycles.
- Deep understanding of first order principles, demonstrated by hand calculations of statics and mechanics.
- Proficient in systems engineering and technical program execution methodologies.
- Familiar with CAD and simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink).
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- 15+ years of experience in aerospace development.
- 5+ years in unmanned aerial systems or autonomous platforms.
- Prior experience mentoring or informally leading engineers, even without a formal management title.
- Private pilot, home-build aircraft, or RC build aircraft experience highly desirable.
- Understanding of autonomy, AI/ML integration, or edge computing for UAS.
- Familiarity with DoD, NASA, or commercial UAS programs.
- Knowledge of UAS regulatory frameworks (FAA Part 107 or COA) and airworthiness requirements.
Work Environment This 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.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically within a calendar year in support of field operations, integration events, customer support and testing.
Compensation US Salary Range: $210,000 – $240,000 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 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.

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 don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) so we can provide the support you need.