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’s Avionics Platform team builds the software platform that flies our vehicles: flight computers and peripheral controllers running embedded Linux and RTOS stacks; middleware and Linux services; low-level drivers and HALs; and the critical interfaces that connect autonomy, payloads, and comms.

We’re hiring a Senior Software QA Engineer to be the first deep-testing line for this avionics stack—validating embedded firmware, board support packages, device drivers, and safety-critical data paths long before Flight Test. You’ll blend 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’ll partner closely with avionics, autonomy, radio, and payload engineers to harden reliability where it matters most: on the aircraft.

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

What You’ll Do

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years professional QA/SDET experience, including automation for embedded/real-time or safety-critical systems.
• Hands-on testing for embedded Linux and/or RTOS (e.g., NuttX, FreeRTOS, PX4) and driver/HAL layers across UART/SPI/I²C/CAN-FD/Ethernet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep experience with HIL/SIL design (sensor and bus emulation, fault injection, golden-trace comparison) and data-driven test design.
• Experience with PX4/ArduPilot middleware, uORB/parameters, and flight-control logging; familiarity with QGroundControl mission/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 of DO-178C/DO-160/MIL-STD-810/461 practices.
• Experience with Yocto/Buildroot, containerized benches (Docker/Podman), and artifact reproducibility.

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

• Ability to lift/move lab kits (~25 lbs) 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, 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

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 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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.