Who We Are 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 that 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 need amp We are looking for builders operators and problemsolvers who want to work on meaningful technology with realworld impact About the Role Firestorm Labs is looking for a Chief Engineer to serve as the technical lead for a UAS development program The core of this role is authority over the vehicles hardware and software architecture Working closely with the program manager and technical leads youll ensure the vehicle meets program objectives with appropriate technical riskamp What Youll Do Own the programs hardware and software architecture Define the system architecture and how it interfaces with common platform architectures Youll make the final call on architectural tradeoffs across hardware and software and ensure the platform maintains software and payload modularityamp Technical oversight for the program Youll serve as the one person accountable for whether the vehicles design is technically sound endtoend resolving disagreements between mechanical electrical firmware and software leads assigned to this program Own program verification amp validation Define the TampE strategy for the program spanning componentsubsystem test integration test and flight test Approve test plans review results and make the gonogo call on whether evidence supports proceeding to the next phase Drive design reviews Chair PDRCDRstyle reviews for this program redteam the architecture before its locked and maintain the technical risk register for this specific vehicle Interface with the Program Manager as a technical peer Align architecture and test schedule with program costschedule constraints escalate tradeoffs that affect program commitments and give the PM an honest technical readiness assessment at each gate Maintain configuration control over the architecture Ensure changes to the hardwaresoftware architecture are deliberate documented and traceable and technical debt is recorded and resolved Represent the programs technical maturity externally Support customer technical interchange meetings and government airworthinesssafety reviews specific to this program speaking authoritatively to architecture and test evidence What Youll Need 15 years of engineering experience in aerospace defense or a comparably safety and performancecritical hardware domain including direct ownership of a system architecture spanning both hardware and softwarefirmware Previous experience over test and evaluation including defining test strategy approving test plans and making gonogo calls based on test evidence Demonstrated ability to ingest dynamic and complex information and decisively act to push the program forward Fluency across the hardwaresoftware boundary able to make credible architectural tradeoffs between mechanicalelectrical design and firmwaresoftwareautonomy design not just one side of it Experience with UAS missiles or other expendableattritable aerospace systems strongly preferred Working knowledge of flight test methodology and structured TampE practices test matrices success criteria anomalyrootcause process Strong written and verbal communication Nice to Have Prior experience as a chief engineer DER or technical lead on a single named program from architecture through flight test Experience standing up a TampE program from scratch on a new vehicle rather than inheriting an established one Experience with lowcost highrate manufacturing philosophiesamp Experience with payload and autonomy integrations What Success Looks Like The programs architecture is coherent across hardware and software with tradeoffs made deliberately rather than by default Clear connectivity to common platform architectures Test and evaluation produces evidence and drives technical decisions Clear communication through leadership and across functions for upcoming milestones and needs Required Qualifications amp Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or related field Masters preferred US Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance 12 years of experience in aerospace development with at least 3 years in a Project Engineer or equivalent technical program execution role Experience in aircraft architecture airframe development or aircraft software development Experience with flight controls communications or payload integration highly desirable Demonstrated experience building or substantially improving an engineering process eg design review structure configuration management verification planningnot just following an existing one Ability to work in fastpaced evolving environments with rapid development cycles Deep understanding of first order principles demonstrated by hand calculations of statics and mechanics Proficient in systems engineering and technical program execution methodologies Familiar with CAD and simulation tools eg SolidWorks MATLABSimulink Strong organizational problemsolving and crossfunctional communication skills amp Preferred Qualifications amp 15 years 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 Private pilot homebuild aircraft or RC build aircraft experience highly desirableamp 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 Environment amp 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 Willingness to travel up to 25 domestically within a calendar year in support of field operations integration events customer support and testing amp Compensation amp US Salary Range 210000 240000 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 amp Benefits amp Perks 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 Export Control Compliance 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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