Staff Project Engineer UAS Developmentamp amp Who We Areamp amp At Firestorm we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive too slow to produce and too difficult to sustain at scale Firestorm exists to change thatamp amp We develop missionadaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell our deployable microfactory our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable adaptable and producible at the point of needamp amp We are looking for builders operators and problemsolvers who want to work on meaningful technology with realworld impactamp amp About the Roleamp amp The Senior Staff Project Engineer UAS Development is responsible for leading and coordinating the technical development of unmanned aerial systems UAS throughout the entire product lifecycle from initial prototype development including conceptual design to first flight through productionization This utilizes strong engineering fundamentals and efficient technical program execution to deliver safe reliable and innovative UAS platformsamp amp amp In addition to individualcontributor program execution the Senior Staff Project Engineer is expected to build the functional processes and best practices that make UAS program execution repeatable across the team not just for their own programsamp amp amp What Youll Doamp amp Project Leadership amp Integrationamp amp Manage technical maturity ensuring alignment with program timelines and budgetsamp Lead and coordinate program reviews from conceptual design reviews through production readiness reviewsamp Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams including aeroperformance mechanical engineering electrical engineering autonomy software flight testing and payload integrationamp Translate system specifications into derived requirements and manage systemlevel architecture and interfacesamp amp Technical Oversight amp Systems Engineeringamp amp Provide peer reviews for technical deliverables such as stress analyses and flight test plansamp Ensure all subsystems flight control navigation communication propulsion etc are effectively integrated and testedamp Map verification and validation methods to requirementsamp Communicate technical risks throughappropriate stakeholdersamp amp Building Functional Processes amp Best Practicesamp amp Own the systems engineering practices digital engineering tools and agile execution structures used across UAS programs These will be a reusable standard for the teamamp Establish repeatable templates and entryexit criteria for design and program reviews so review qualitydoesntdepend onwhosrunning itamp Build andmaintainconfiguration management andinterfacecontrol practices that scale as program count and team size growamp Capture lessons learned from each development cycle and convert them into concrete process changes checklists or toolingamp Identifyrecurring crossfunctional friction points eg handoffs between design manufacturing and flight test and design lightweight processes to close themamp Partner with engineering leadership to decide where formal process adds value versus where it slows down iteration This role is expected to professionalize execution without overprocessing a fastmoving orgamp amp Testing amp Certificationamp amp Support development of crossfunctional input to test plans test procedures and data analysis for UAS verification and validationamp Ensure airworthiness safety and compliance with relevant UAS standards and operational guidelines eg Part 107 or COAamp amp Stakeholder Engagementamp amp Interface with internal teams suppliers customers and government agencies to align expectations and ensure project successamp Prepare and deliver project reports risk assessments and technical presentations to senior leadership and stakeholdersamp amp Required Qualificationsamp amp Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or related field Masters preferredamp US Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearanceamp 12 years of experience in aerospace development with at least 3 years in a Project Engineer or equivalent technical program execution roleamp amp Experience in aircraft architecture airframe development or aircraft software development Experience with flight controls communications or payload integration highly desirableamp amp Demonstrated experience building or substantially improving an engineering process eg design review structure configuration management verification planningnot just following an existing oneamp Ability to work in fastpaced evolving environments with rapid development cyclesamp amp Deep understanding of first order principles demonstrated by hand calculations of statics and mechanicsamp amp Proficient in systems engineering and technical program execution methodologiesamp amp Familiar with CAD and simulation tools eg SolidWorks MATLABSimulinkamp amp Strong organizational problemsolving and crossfunctional communication skillsamp amp Preferred Qualificationsamp amp 15years of experience in aerospace developmentamp 5 years in unmanned aerial systems or autonomous platformsamp Prior experience mentoring or informally leading engineers even without a formal management titleamp Privatepilot homebuildaircraft or RC buildaircraftexperiencehighlydesirableamp Understanding of autonomy AIML integration or edge computing for UASamp Familiarity with DoD NASA or commercial UAS programsamp Knowledge of UAS regulatory frameworks FAA Part 107 or COA and airworthiness requirementsamp amp Work Environmentamp amp This role is based in San Diego CAamp We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offerpackage where appropriateamp Willingness to travel up to 25 domestically within a calendar year in support of field operations integration events customer support and testingamp amp Compensationamp amp US Salary Range 165000 185000 USDamp 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 evolveamp amp Benefits amp Perksamp amp 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 fastgrowing 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 appreciationamp We offer comprehensive medical dental and visions plansamp 401k Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your longterm retirement goalsamp Equity grants for new hiresamp Unlimited PTOamp Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in July amp Decemberamp Generous Parental Leaveamp Lifestyle Spending Accountamp FSAamp DCFSAamp HSAamp Hospital Indemnity insuranceamp Critical Illness insuranceamp Accident insuranceamp Basic LifeADampD shortterm and longterm disability insurance 100 covered by Firestorm Plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your familyamp Mental Health Resources We provide free mental health resources 247 including therapy and more Additional worklife services such as free legal and financial support are available to you as wellamp amp Export Control Complianceamp amp To conform to US government export control regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR and Export Administration Regulations EAR you must be a US citizen lawful permanent resident of the US protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324ba3 or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State or US Department of Commerceamp amp Equal Opportunity Statement amp 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 processamp Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process please dont hesitate to reach out to us at careerslaunchfirestormcom so we can provide the support you need
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