Project Engineer, UAS Development

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

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

Preferred Qualifications

Work Environment

Compensation US Salary Range : $123,000 - $168,000 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 :

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

PI279425090