Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform

Cubit Capital; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants for new hires

Unlimited PTO

Generous holiday calendar

Job summary

Firestorm Labs is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer focused on embedded platforms in San Diego, CA. The role emphasizes flight‑critical firmware for unmanned systems, with an on‑site requirement and a salary range of USD 132k–178k plus equity.

You will develop low‑level embedded software, port frameworks, and integrate drivers while collaborating with hardware teams to ensure secure boot, fault tolerance, and robust testing. 5+ years of experience and US citizenship are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• At least 5 years of embedded systems experience.
• U.S. Citizenship required with ability to obtain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop low‑level embedded software in C++ for avionics and flight controllers.
• Port frameworks to new RTOSes and hardware, build BSPs and configure cross‑compilation toolchains for ARM Cortex‑M.
• Create peripheral drivers for I2C, SPI, UART, and ADC; collaborate with hardware teams on secure boot and fault tolerance.
• Perform unit/integration tests and ensure MISRA C compliance in safety‑critical firmware.

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

Linux

Python

Networking

Education

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

Tools

RTOS

ARM Cortex‑M

BSPs

HALs

Job description

Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform

San Diego, CA, USA

USD 132k-178k / year + Equity

Posted on Aug 15, 2026

Full-time

In office

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors — regardless of their defense budget — through innovative, cost‑efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC‑backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission‑adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world‑class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting‑edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

About The Role

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and driven Firmware Engineer who has a specialized focus in embedded platforms. In this role, you will support the development, integration, and deployment of avionics and embedded systems for our next‑generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This position will advance our flight‑critical firmware and avionics systems by ensuring they meet key performance and reliability standards, while enabling full mission readiness.

You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to integrate flight‑critical systems, resolve complex technical issues across domains, and support both IRAD and field operations. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, detail‑oriented and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment, where rapid iteration and field validation are core to success.

What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize low‑level embedded software in C++, advancing firmware on avionics systems, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems with a focus on performance, reliability, and safety
• Port frameworks and applications to new RTOSes and new hardware platforms, including creating Board Support Packages (BSPs), adapting Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs), and configuring cross‑compilation toolchains for architectures such as ARM Cortex‑M
• Create and integrate peripheral drivers for interfaces like I2C, SPI, UART, ADC, and wireless protocols
• Collaborate with hardware teams to validate firmware incorporating features like secure boot, watchdogs, and fault‑tolerant designs for reliability.
• Conduct unit and integration testing, including fault injection and MISRA C compliance checks, to maintain high standards in safety‑critical applications.
• Diagnose and resolve cross‑domain issues across electromechanical, software, networking, and RF subsystems in both lab and operational environments
• Develop and maintain embedded software, test automation scripts, and integration tools using Python, C/C++, Bash, and Shell
• Translate mission and operational requirements into technical specifications and integration plans
• Design, execute, and document test plans, integration guides, test reports, and troubleshooting manuals
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and leverage Firestorm’s manufacturing and simulation capabilities to accelerate deployment cycles

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in embedded systems development.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Strong networking knowledge, including configuration and troubleshooting of Ethernet, TCP/IP, VPNs, VLANs, and wireless systems.
• Proficient with Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat) and Windows systems, with strong command‑line skills.
• Extensive Programming and scripting experience in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++, including embedded software development.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot across embedded software, avionics hardware, and RF communications.
• Understanding of virtualization and container tools such as VMware, Docker, or Kubernetes
• Awareness of cybersecurity principles as they apply to embedded systems and tactical networks
• Strong technical writing skills for documenting systems, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in embedded systems development.
• Experience in high‑tech, aerospace or DoD‑related manufacturing environments, including prior work in the military or with spacecraft, or aircraft.
• Proven track record delivering sUAS or UAS platforms from development through fielding in defense or commercial domains
• Expertise in writing and managing system‑level test plans, verification protocols, and requirements traceability
• Familiarity with MISRA C++, DO‑178C, IEC 62304, ISO 26262 or similar industry standards
• Proficiency with PX4 Autopilot, including configuration, parameter tuning, and diagnostics
• Working knowledge of ROS or equivalent robotics middleware for autonomous systems
• Experience using simulation tools such as Gazebo, Unreal Engine, or Unity for mission modeling
• Understanding of cybersecurity risks related to unmanned systems, RF networks, and embedded avionics.
• Knowledge of FAA regulatory frameworks and airworthiness certification processes for UAS platforms

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to support offsite deployments.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% domestically within a calendar year in support of field operations, integration events, customer support and testing.

Work Environment

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
• This role requires an on‑site presence
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.

Compensation

U.S. Range: $132,000 - $178,000

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.

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.

Disability Status

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability Status

To comply with government reporting requirements, we invite candidates to participate in the self‑identification survey below. Your completion of this form is entirely optional, and your decision will neither influence the hiring process nor any subsequent stages. Any information you choose to share will be kept confidential and stored in a secure file. As outlined in our Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we uphold a commitment to non‑discrimination based on any protected group status specified in applicable laws.

• Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
• Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
• Blind or low vision
• Cancer (past or present)
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• Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
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• Intellectual or developmental disability
• Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
• Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
• Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
• Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neurodivergence, for example, attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
• Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
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Benefits & Perks

• 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.