Senior Integrations Engineer

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 Senior Integrations Engineer to support the integration of advanced payloads into our next-generation Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). You will work directly with customers at a Department of Defense (DoD) installation to specify, install, test and troubleshoot, their custom physical and digital payloads. This role requires a strong background in avionics, embedded systems, RF communications, tactical networking, and real-time software integration.
You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to effectively integrate customer defined payloads, including the platform, autonomy and software engineering, to deliver mission-ready systems in high-pressure environments. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with strong technical depth, a background in UAV systems and the ability to lead complex integration, mission-ready solutions.  What You'll Do 

• Integrate avionics, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems while meeting reliability, safety, and performance standards.
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot tactical and airborne networks, including RF links and embedded communications systems.
• Diagnose and resolve electromechanical, avionics, and embedded software issues in lab and field environments.
• Translate mission requirements into clear technical specifications.
• Develop and maintain embedded and application-level software. Write scripts and tools in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++ for automation, testing, and integration.
• Create and execute test plans, validate performance, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations.
• Partner with our Technical Writer(s) to develop documentation including integration guides, test reports, user manuals and troubleshooting materials.
• Collaborate across teams and use Firestorm’s additive manufacturing and simulation tools to accelerate development.
• Provide performance data and constructive feedback to hardware design and manufacturing teams.
• Perform repair and rework on Firestorm's product line, and third-party hardware systems, ensuring continued mission readiness.
• Support the preparation, configuration, and deployment of MECCS (Modular Electronic Command and Control Systems).
• Assemble and integrate custom or ad-hoc payloads, both hardware and software, based on mission & customer-specific needs.
• Stay informed about the latest technologies in avionics, embedded systems, tactical networking, and unmanned systems.

 Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in UAV avionics, including systems integration, troubleshooting and field operations.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• 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.
• Programming and scripting experience in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++, including embedded software development.
• Skilled in troubleshooting across avionics systems, embedded software, RF equipment, and integrated hardware stacks.
• Familiarity with Software Defined Radios (SDRs), including configuration and performance tuning.
• Experience with virtualization and container tools such as VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Understanding of cybersecurity compliance requirements, and best practices, as they relate to embedded systems and tactical networks.
• Strong technical writing skills for documenting systems, procedures, and troubleshoot