Project Engineer, UAS Development

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical—dental—vision

401(k)

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Generous holiday calendar

Parental leave

Lifestyle spending account

HSA

Wellness resources

Job summary

Firestorm, a defense tech company in San Diego, seeks a Project Engineer to drive the full lifecycle of unmanned aerial systems. You’ll translate system goals into concrete plans, track deliverables, and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to move concepts to flight-ready platforms.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in aerospace/defense, strong fundamentals, and hands-on CAD/Simulink experience. This is a fast-paced, collaborative role with FAA/DoD exposure and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in aerospace/defense engineering with at least 2 years as Project Engineer.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain DoD security clearance.
• Experience with aircraft platform development, integration, or flight system maturity.
• Familiarity with flight controls, avionics, propulsion, and payload integration.
• CAD and simulation tools proficiency (SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong engineering fundamentals and first principles analysis.
• Experience with systems engineering methodologies and program execution.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical maturity of UAS systems from concept through production, ensuring alignment with timelines and budgets.
• Lead design and program reviews (SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PRR) and rapid iteration.
• Coordinate across aero, mechanical, electrical, autonomy, software, propulsion, manufacturing, and flight test teams.
• Translate system goals into derived requirements and interface definitions.
• Maintain architecture artifacts and interface control documents; support agile development.
• Conduct reviews for structural analyses, aerodynamic assessments, and flight test plans.
• Define verification/validation methods and support test assets (HIL, rigs, data pipelines).
• Prepare technical reports and readiness summaries for leadership.

Skills

Project engineering

Systems engineering

Cross-functional coordination

Aerospace engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

Master’s degree in relevant field (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we're 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.

We're 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.

We're 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, you're 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 You’ll 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

• Bachelor’s 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: $123,000 - $171,000 USD

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.