Engineering Manager, Avionics Platform
Firestorm
Software Engineering, Other Engineering
San Diego, CA, USA
Posted on Mar 13, 2026
Engineering Manager, Avionics Platform
San Diego, CA
Engineering
In office
Full-time
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 Engineering Manager, Avionics Platform to lead the development, integration, and deployment of avionics and embedded platform systems for our next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role combines deep technical ownership with people leadership, requiring a strong background in embedded firmware, avionics integration, and cross-domain system development across hardware, software, networking, and RF environments.
In this role, you will lead and mentor a team of firmware, embedded platform, and integration engineers responsible for advancing flight-critical avionics systems from architecture through validation and field deployment. 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 a hands-on technical leader who is detail-oriented, execution-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where rapid iteration, mission readiness, and field validation are core to success.
What You'll Do
- Lead and grow a multidisciplinary avionics platform team spanning embedded firmware, hardware/software integration, avionics bring-up, and system validation for flight-critical UAS subsystems
- Manage, mentor, and develop engineers across embedded platform and integrations disciplines, including performance management, coaching, hiring, and career development
- Own technical execution, team priorities, staffing alignment, and delivery for avionics platform roadmap items across IRAD, product development, integration, and field support activities
- Guide the development and optimization of low-level embedded software in C/C++ for avionics systems, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems with a focus on performance, reliability, security, and safety
- Provide technical leadership for porting frameworks and applications to new RTOSes and 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
- Oversee the design and integration of peripheral drivers and embedded interfaces including I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, ADC, PWM, DMA, Ethernet, and wireless protocols
- Partner with hardware teams on schematic reviews, board bring-up, hardware-software integration, and validation of features such as secure boot, watchdogs, and fault-tolerant designs
- Drive end-to-end integration of avionics, mission payloads, flight controllers, RF links, tactical and airborne networks, and embedded communications to ensure robust platform performance in lab and operational environments
- Support cross-domain troubleshooting across electromechanical, software, networking, and RF subsystems in both lab and field settings, helping teams diagnose root cause and drive durable fixes
- Establish and enforce engineering best practices for code quality, secure coding, debugging, version control, CI/CD, unit testing, integration testing, system validation, and requirements traceability
- Lead technical trade studies, architecture reviews, design reviews, and root-cause investigations across embedded, networking, RF, and avionics domains
- Support the development and maintenance of embedded software, automation scripts, diagnostics, and integration tools using Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++
- Translate mission and operational requirements into technical specifications, integration plans, team objectives, and execution milestones
- Oversee the design, execution, and documentation of test plans, integration guides, test reports, troubleshooting manuals, and validation artifacts
- Collaborate with internal engineering teams and leverage Firestorm’s manufacturing and simulation capabilities to accelerate deployment cycles and field readiness
- Serve as a key interface across engineering, flight test, operations, and program stakeholders to ensure platform maturity, mission readiness, and timely delivery
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- At least 8 years of experience in embedded systems, avionics, firmware, platform engineering, or related technical development
- At least 2 years of experience directly managing engineers or serving in a technical leadership role with responsibility for mentoring, execution, and team development
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Deep expertise in embedded software and firmware development in C/C++ for microcontroller- and processor-based systems
- Strong experience with STM32 or similar ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers, including direct register-level programming, peripheral configuration, and hardware bring-up
- Strong knowledge of bare-metal development, RTOS concepts, and real-time debugging tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- 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, automation, and integration tooling
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot across embedded software, avionics hardware, networking, and RF communications
- Experience leading hardware-software integration efforts and collaborating closely with EE, ME, software, and test teams
- Understanding of virtualization and container tools such as VMware, Docker, or Kubernetes
- Awareness of cybersecurity principles as they apply to embedded systems, tactical networks, and unmanned platforms
- Strong technical writing skills for documenting architectures, systems, procedures, test plans, and troubleshooting steps
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in embedded systems, avionics, platform engineering, or UAS development
- Experience leading teams in high-tech, aerospace, robotics, or DoD-related manufacturing environments, including prior work in the military or with aircraft, spacecraft, or autonomous systems
- 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, requirements traceability, and formal integration and validation processes
- Familiarity with MISRA C/C++, DO-178C, IEC 62304, ISO 26262, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, or similar industry and defense standards
- Proficiency with PX4 Autopilot, including configuration, parameter tuning, diagnostics, and flight-test support
- Working knowledge of ROS or equivalent robotics middleware for autonomous systems
- Practical experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw and familiarity with SysML for requirements and system architecture management
- Experience using simulation tools such as Gazebo, Unreal Engine, or Unity for mission modeling and system validation
- Understanding of cybersecurity risks related to unmanned systems, RF networks, embedded avionics, and secure communications
- Knowledge of FAA regulatory frameworks and airworthiness certification processes for UAS platforms
- Experience with SDRs, tactical communications, or electronic warfare system integration
- Familiarity with bootloaders, firmware update mechanisms, secure boot, HSMs, TrustZone, or other embedded security features
- Experience with embedded Linux development and modern build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, MBA, or a related technical discipline is a plus
Work Environment
- This role is based in San Diego, CA.
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Compensation
U.S. Range: $180,000 - $228,000
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.
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
- 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.
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.
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Req ID: R155