Chief Systems Engineer, UAS & Autonomy Lead

FireStorm Labs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Firestorm Labs seeks a Chief Engineer to serve as the technical lead for a UAS development program. You will own the vehicle’s hardware and software architecture, interfacing with the PM and leads to ensure objectives are met with managed risk.

You’ll provide end-to-end technical oversight, chair PDR/CDR-style reviews, define T&E strategies, and maintain architecture traceability. Strong communication and cross-functional coordination are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years in aerospace development with architectural ownership.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain clearance.
• 3+ years in project engineering or equivalent technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Own hardware and software architecture for the UAS program.
• Provide technical oversight and resolve cross-disciplinary disagreements.
• Define test and evaluation strategy; approve plans and go/no-go decisions.
• Run design reviews (PDR/CDR) and manage architecture risk.
• Interface with Program Manager; align with cost/schedule constraints.
• Maintain configuration control and document technical debt.
• Represent technical maturity in customer meetings and reviews.

Skills

System architecture

Aerospace engineering

Test & evaluation

Hardware-software boundary

UAS/missile experience

Flight test knowledge

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Firestorm Labs seeks a Chief Engineer to serve as the technical lead for a UAS development program. You will own the vehicle’s hardware and software architecture, interfacing with the PM and leads to ensure objectives are met with managed risk.

You’ll provide end-to-end technical oversight, chair PDR/CDR-style reviews, define T&E strategies, and maintain architecture traceability. Strong communication and cross-functional coordination are essential.