Principal Automation Engineer

About The Role

Firestorm is seeking a Principal Automation Engineer to own the software that takes UAS platforms from first power‑on to mission‑ready flight. This role is responsible for delivering integrated, reliable systems across autonomy, vehicle control, and verification, with direct impact on platforms that are designed, built, and flown on rapid timelines.

You will operate at the center of hardware, autonomy, and test, making decisions that directly affect system performance, reliability, and mission success. This is a hands‑on role for an engineer who wants to move quickly from code to flight, take ownership of outcomes, and iterate on real systems in the lab and in the air.

• Deliver integrated, flight‑ready software across autopilot, onboard compute, and vehicle systems
• Lead bring‑up, integration, and validation on hardware, driving issues through resolution to flight
• Define and control software interfaces across flight systems, payloads, and ground control
• Set software architecture, coding standards, and design patterns within the team
• Make system‑level tradeoffs across embedded software, autonomy, and test infrastructure
• Design, build, and scale automated test frameworks across unit, integration, SIL, and HIL
• Develop and operate HIL environments with realistic sensor, telemetry, and vehicle simulation
• Establish repeatable verification workflows that enable rapid iteration with high confidence
• Build tooling for real‑time monitoring, data capture, and post‑flight analysis
• Support flight test campaigns and convert test data into actionable improvements
• Reduce cycle time from code change to validated flight behavior
• Act as a technical authority across software integration and verification efforts

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; may substitute equivalent hands‑on experience in lieu of a degree
• 15+ years of experience in UAS, robotics, autonomous systems, or software engineering
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Hands‑on experience with autopilot systems such as PX4, Ardu Pilot or similar platforms, and MAVLink‑based communication
• Strong proficiency in Python and C or C++ for flight software and test frameworks
• Demonstrated experience designing and operating SIL and HIL systems
• Experience operating at a staff or principal level with ownership of cross‑functional, team, technical direction
• Effectively communicates complex technical concepts clearly to both engineering and program stakeholders
• Aligns cross‑functional teams including hardware, systems, and manufacturing with respectful authority
• Comfortable working collaboratively across engineering, operations, and customer‑facing teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) for data tracking, reporting, and communication

• Comfortable operating in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments; creates clarity and drives execution with incomplete requirements
• Track record of building reusable tools and frameworks adopted beyond the immediate team
• Strong systems thinker with focus on scalable and maintainable solutions
• Methodical and persistent in diagnosing integration and test failures
• Willing to work hands‑on in the lab and on the flight line; owns problems through resolution

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
• This role requires an on‑site presence

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. The role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non‑climate‑controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast‑paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team‑based responsibilities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.…