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

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in an aerospace or defense engineering role supporting complex electromechanical systems, with at least 2 years as a Project Engineer.
• U.S. Citizens