Senior Software QA Engineer, Avionics Platform

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Unlimited PTO

ITAR compliance program

Job summary

Firestorm is hiring a Senior Software QA Engineer to validate avionics stack, including embedded Linux and RTOS, drivers, and safety-critical data paths. You will implement automated tests, perform exploratory testing, and collaborate with avionics, autonomy, radio, and payload teams to harden reliability before Flight Test.

The role is full-time and onsite at our San Diego HQ. Candidates should have 5+ years of QA/SDET experience in embedded/safety-critical systems, with Python, C/C++, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years professional QA/SDET experience in embedded/real-time or safety-critical systems.
• Hands-on testing for embedded Linux and/or RTOS and driver/HAL layers across UART/SPI/I²C/CAN-FD/Ethernet.
• Experience building automated tests with Python (pytest/Robot or equivalent) and host-based unit tests (gtest).
• Comfortable validating networked real-time systems (MAVLink, DDS, WebSockets) and telemetry flows.

Responsibilities

• Own system test for avionics (embedded Linux + RTOS targets) and provide fast, actionable feedback on defects and timing issues affecting flight safety.
• Plan and execute risk-based test strategies including feature/bring-up tests, exploratory charters, protocol regression suites, acceptance criteria, and release sign-off gates before Flight Test.
• Build and maintain automation for HIL/SIL testing, including host-based unit tests and hardware benches.
• Develop Python-driven benches to exercise serial/CAN/Ethernet I/O, sensor emulators, and OTA flows; automate log capture and diffs.
• Stand up reproducible rigs with power supplies, CAN analyzers, logic analyzers, GNSS simulators; script scenario playback and telemetry injection.
• Instrument and diagnose with structured logs/metrics; use Wireshark and trace tools to isolate timing/state issues quickly.
• Own defect triage and high-signal reporting with traces, steps, and root-cause analysis; track to closure.

Skills

QA/SDET

Embedded Linux

Python

C/C++

Automation testing

CI/CD

MAVLink

GTest

PyTest

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering

Tools

GTest

PyTest

CI/CD tools

Job description

Who We Are

At Firestorm,we’reon 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’repioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness,we’repioneering 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, makingcutting-edgetechnology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

About the Role

Firestorm’sAvionics Platformteam builds the softwareplatformthat flies our vehicles: flight computers and peripheral controllers running embedded Linux and RTOS stacks; middlewareand Linux services; low-level drivers and HALs; and the critical interfaces that connect autonomy, payloads, and comms.

We’rehiring aSenior Software QA Engineerto be the first deep-testing line for this avionics stack—validatingembedded firmware, board support packages, device drivers, and safety-critical data paths long before Flight Test.You’llblend expert exploratory/system testing with targeted automation across HIL/SIL rigs, exercising real buses (CAN/CAN-FD, UART, SPI, I²C, Ethernet) and stressing links (MAVLink,Tactical Data Links, etc.) under real-world fault conditions.You’llpartner closely with avionics, autonomy, radio, and payload engineers to harden reliability where it matters most: on theaircraft.

This is a full-time,onsiterole at our San Diego HQ. Expect meaningful hands‑on time with benches, flight computers, power systems, radios, and sensors tovalidateend-to-end flight workflows.

WhatYou’llDo

• Own system test for avionics(embedded Linux + RTOS targets), providing fast, actionable feedback on functional defects, timing issues, and regressions that impact flight safety and operator trust.


• Plan and execute risk-based strategies: feature/bring-up test plans, exploratory charters, protocol-level regression suites, acceptance criteria, and release sign-off gates ahead of Flight Test.


• Build andmaintainautomation for HIL/SIL:


• SIL: host-based unit/integration tests for drivers and middleware (e.g.,gtest/pytest), simulation of sensors/buses, fault-injection hooks.


• HIL: Python-driven benches to exercise serial/CAN/Ethernet I/O, sensor emulators, and power-cycle/bootloader/OTA flows; automate log capture and golden-trace diffs.


• Stand up reproducible rigs: power supplies/electronic loads, CAN analyzers, logic analyzers, GNSS/sensor simulators, programmable RF links; script scenario playback and telemetry injection.


• Validate robustnessunder degraded conditions: jitter, clock drift, packet loss/duplication, bus contention, brownouts, hot-plug, and watchdog resets; verify safe behavior and recovery paths.


• Instrument anddiagnose:collect structured logs/metrics; create packet and log scrapers; use Wireshark, logic-analyzer traces, and serial/TCP/UDP sniffers to isolate timing and state issues quickly.


• Own defect triage: minimize and reproduce; file high-signal reports with traces, steps, suspected root cause; track to closure with responsible engineers.


• Shift-left qualitywith the team: review code/IDLs from a testability lens, encourage dependency hygiene, feature flags, determinism controls, and golden datasets.


• Integrate into CI/CD(GitLab/Jenkins): hardware runners for on-bench smoke, protocol/regression gates, and per-target artifact validation (e.g.,.bin/.hex, DFU, OTA).


• Contribute to safety, security, and reliability hardeningaligned to MIL-STD/DO guidance (negative testing, fuzzing on parsers, permission audits, fail-safe defaults, persistent-state hygiene).


• Produce crisp test docs(plans, procedures, bench/bring-up checklists) and mentor engineers on embedded QA techniques and automation patterns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field


• 5+ yearsprofessional QA/SDET experience, including automation forembedded/real-time or safety-critical systems.


• Hands-on testing forembedded Linux and/or RTOS(e.g.,NuttX,FreeRTOS, PX4) and driver/HAL layers acrossUART/SPI/I²C/CAN-FD/Ethernet.


• Practical experience building automated tests withPython(pytest/Robot or equivalent) controlling benches over serial/CAN/Ethernet; comfort withC/C++artifacts and host-based unit tests (gtest).


• Comfortable validatingnetworked real-time systems(MAVLink, DDS,WebSockets), async I/O, and telemetry flows under constrained or lossy links.


• Proficient withLinux and Windowstest environments, CLI tooling, scripting (Python/Bash/PowerShell), andGit.


• Experience integrating test suites intoCI/CD(GitLab CI/Jenkins/GitHub Actions) and working with firmware packaging/bootloaders/OTA.


• Strong exploratory testing, defect isolation, and written communication—able to translate flight and bring-up workflows into crisp, testable scenarios.


• U.S. Citizenshipand ability to obtain andmaintaina U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep experience withHIL/SILdesign (sensor and bus emulation, fault injection, golden-trace comparison) anddata-driven test design.


• Experience withPX4/ArduPilotmiddleware,uORB/parameters, and flight-control logging; familiarity withQGroundControlmission/telemetry workflows.


• Protocol/domain knowledge:MAVLink, STANAG 4586, Cursor-on-Target, DDS/RTPS, CAN diagnostics.


• Comfort with radios, GNSS, IMUs, payload interfaces, and lab bring-up; basic electronics (oscilloscope/logic-analyzer/JTAG) a plus.


• Performance/reliability testing: stress/soak/latency, boot-time and watchdog behavior, power-interrupt/EMI considerations; awareness ofDO-178C/DO-160/MIL-STD-810/461practices.


• Experience withYocto/Buildroot, containerized benches (Docker/Podman), and artifact reproducibility.


• Test management/reporting (e.g.,TestRail/Jira) and metrics for release readiness.

Work Environment

• Onsite at San Diego HQ with frequent hands-on work at benches and labs; tight collaboration with avionics, autonomy, payload, manufacturing, and Flight Test.


• Occasional local field/range support for pre-flight validation; some travel (<20%).


• Fast-paced, iterative development with tight feedback loops;you’llhelp harden reliability before software reaches Flight Test.


• Ability to lift/move lab kits (~25lbs)occasionally and follow lab/range safety procedures.

Compensation

US Salary Range: $140,000 – $185,000 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,collaborativeand 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


• Unlimited PTO


• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in December.


• Generous Parental Leave


• FSA


• 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, theoptiontopurchaseadditionallife insurance for you and your family.


• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more.


• Additionalwork-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholdingequitablehiring 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 yourequireaccommodations orassistanceduring the application process, pleasedon’thesitate to reach out to us at [e-mail] so we can provide the support you need.