Embedded & Automation Engineer

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Generous holiday calendar

Parental Leave

Life insurance

Job summary

Firestorm is hiring an Embedded & Automation Engineer in San Diego to design and implement embedded real-time software for manufacturing cells, including cobot integration and data acquisition. You will build SIL/HIL/VIL validation frameworks and own the hardware abstraction layer that connects factory equipment to the cloud platform.

The role requires expertise in C/C++, Python, Linux RTOS, and hands-on experience with industrial cobots and robotics middleware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in CS, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in embedded, real-time, or robotics software engineering.
• Proficient in C/C++ and Python, with hardware-bound software experience.
• Experienced with Linux-based embedded systems and RTOS.
• Hands-on with industrial cobots (UR/Fanuc/ABB) and motion control.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement embedded real-time software for manufacturing cell automation.
• Build and operate SIL/HIL/VIL infrastructure for validation.
• Own edge agent and hardware abstraction layer between factory equipment and cloud.
• Develop firmware-adjacent tooling for bring-up and flashing of production hardware.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and hardware teams to define automation strategy.
• Drive ROS 2 integration with cobots and industrial robotics.

Skills

C / C++

Python

Embedded systems

Real-time software

Robotics software

Linux

ROS 2

Industrial cobots

ITAR compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

HIL/SIL/VIL testing

Hardware abstraction layer tooling

Cobot integration tooling

Job description

Who We Are

Firestorm is building the next generation of uncrewedaircraftand the advanced manufacturing systems that deliver them at speed. The Software Integration & Operationsdepartmentowns the software layer that spans factory floor to cloud - the applications, automation, edge systems, and intelligence that make it possible to iterate product designs, automate advanced manufacturing, and scale production with uncompromising quality and rigor.

This team willown everything that runs on the factory floor below the application layer: real-time control software, cobot integration, bring-up automation, test fixtures, and the hardware abstraction layer that lets factory systems speak to our cloud platform. As an Embedded & Automation Engineer, you will build the software that turns a physical manufacturing cell into an intelligent, automated, data-producing system. You will integrate cobots, design andoperatehardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop test infrastructure, build bring-up and flashing tools, and own the hardware abstraction layer that the rest of the platform depends on. This role lives at the software/hardware boundary and demands fluency inboth,you will need to excel in rapid-development and hardening for scale and safety.

What You'll Do

• Design and implement embedded and real-time software for manufacturing cell automation - cobot integration, fixture control, bring-up sequences, and data acquisition.
• Build and operate SIL / HIL / VIL infrastructure for automated validation of hardware and software integration.
• Own the edge agent and hardware abstraction layer that interfaces between factory equipment and the cloud platform.
• Develop firmware-adjacent tooling for bring-up and flashing of production hardware, including factory flashing stations.
• Partner with manufacturing engineering and hardware teams to define the automation strategy for each manufacturing cell.
• Drive integration of robotics middleware (ROS 2 or equivalent) with industrial cobots such as UR, Fanuc, or ABB.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• U.S. Citizenshiprequireddue to ITAR regulations
• 5+ years of embedded, real-time, or robotics software engineering experience.
• Strongproficiencyin C / C++ and Python; comfortable at the software / hardware boundary.
• Hands-on experience with industrial cobots or robotic systems (UR, Fanuc, ABB, or similar) and motion control.
• Experience building or operating HIL / SIL test infrastructure for hardware-connected software.
• Fluency with Linux-based embedded systems, real-time operating systems, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of embedded, real-time, or robotics software engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across engineering without formal authority: design reviews, technical decisions, and cross-team alignment.
• Background in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics deployments.
• Experience with ROS 2 or equivalent robotics middleware.
• Prior experience with firmware bring-up and hardware flashing tooling.
• Aerospace, defense, or regulated-manufacturing experience.

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 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations

Compensation

US Salary Range: $140,000 - $230,000 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

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 [e-mail] so we can provide the support you need.