Senior Firmware Engineer, Embedded Platform

FireStorm Labs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Firestorm Labs seeks an experienced Firmware Engineer focused on embedded platforms to develop, integrate, and deploy avionics and embedded systems for next‑generation unmanned aerial systems. Youll work with cross‑functional teams to ensure mission readiness and reliability in fast‑paced environments.

The role emphasizes hands‑on development, system integration, and field validation with an emphasis on safety‑critical firmware and secure, fault‑tolerant designs.

Qualifications

• Requires embedded systems expertise with hands-on development.
• Experience with C/C++ for flight-critical software is essential.
• Strong Linux command-line skills and scripting experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop low-level embedded software for avionics and UAS.
• Port frameworks to RTOSes and new hardware, build BSPs, and configure cross-compilers.
• Create peripheral drivers (I2C, SPI, UART, ADC) and validate firmware.
• Ensure secure boot, watchdogs, and fault-tolerant designs.
• Perform unit/integration testing and MISRA C checks for safety-critical apps.
• Collaborate across electromechanical, software, RF subsystems in labs and field.
• Maintain software and automation scripts in Python, C/C++, Bash, Shell.

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

Python

Linux

Networking

Security clearance

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

BSPs

HALs

Cross-compilers

VMware

Docker

Job description

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.