Senior Software Engineer, Network & Communications

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 a highly skilled and motivated Senior Network and Communications Software Engineer to join our team. This role will be at the forefront of developing and implementing advanced software solutions that directly interact with tactical and military communication systems, including radio and satellite systems.  
Your expertise will be crucial in designing and enhancing the communication capabilities of our mission-adaptable aerial vehicles, ensuring they operate efficiently in diverse and challenging environments. This position requires a deep understanding of both software engineering and communication technologies, coupled with practical experience in networking, RF engineering & system integration. 

What You’ll Do

• Develop software solutions for interfacing with tactical and military radios, communication modules, and satellite systems. This includes developing low-level system software as well as high-level C2 interfaces. 
• Implement, configure, and optimize datalinks by adhering to Interface Control Documents (ICDs) or employing reverse engineering techniques when necessary. 
• Develop scalable Linux-based applications and services that integrate seamlessly with radio, satellite and overall communication modules.
• Execute on building robust services that can handle high throughput and maintain data integrity under diverse operational conditions. 
• Create or enhance APIs that allow for easy integration and modularity, working within distributed microservice architectures to ensure the APIs can be easily adopted internally, and by 3rd-party developers. 
• Maximize communication effectiveness and range through direct work on the integration and optimization of radio systems, as well as antenna configurations, to maximize communication effectiveness. 
• Ensure the robust, scalability of communication interfaces and services, focusing on both Firestorm’s airborne systems, and ground-based C3 setups. 
• Explore and leverage the capabilities of systems that can sustain the rigors of diverse RF environments and maintain reliable links under dynamic conditions. 
• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive communication test plans and scenarios for developed software to verify stability, compliance with technical specifications, and customer requirements.
• Create reproducible test environments which mimic operational scenarios. 

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience as a software engineer, with extensive expertise in modern C++, RF systems and familiarity with Linux system development and administration
• Background in RF engineering, antenna design, signal processing and the practical application of these in communication systems
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Demonstrated ability in developing complex software platforms that involve computer networks configuration and hardware interface 
• Solid understanding of software architecture principles, including modular and plugin architectures tied to distributed microservices
• In-depth knowledge of computer networks protocols (such as TCP, UDP, MQTT, RESTful APIs, HTTPS, WebSockets, others) and networking concepts (including routing, switching, and firewall configurations)
• Background in RF engineering and its principles, antenna design, signal processing, and the practical application of these in communication systems
• Experience with wireless communication standards and protocols (e.g., LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee), including configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in dynamic en