Integration & Validation Engineer in San Diego, California at Firestorm

Who We Are
Firestorm is building the next generation of uncrewed aircraft and the advanced manufacturing systems that deliver them at speed. The Software Integration & Operations department owns the software layer that spans factory floor to cloud — the applications, automation, edge systems, and intelligence that make it possible to iterate product designs, automate advanced manufacturing, and scale production with uncompromising quality and rigor. The aircraft software and manufacturing software that Firestorm builds do not exist in isolation — they integrate with flight hardware, factory hardware, automation cells, flight test infrastructure, and external enterprise tools. The contracts between these systems are where complexity and risk concentrate, and where "works in dev, breaks in flight or on the factory floor" problems are born. About the Role As an Integration & Validation Engineer, you own the boundary between software components and the integrated systems they ship into. You write the integration specifications, build and maintain the validation suites that prove integrations work on real hardware, lead integration testing cycles for major releases, and sign off on flight and manufacturing readiness. You are part systems engineer, part integration developer, part validation lead, and you are the last line of defense before software meets aircraft or the factory floor. Near-term, your focus is aircraft software integration and testing — proving that software from component teams (avionics, autonomy, GCS) integrates correctly on real hardware and releases cleanly into flight operations. Longer-term, your scope expands to include manufacturing software integrations with factory hardware, automation cells, and enterprise systems. What You’ll Do

• Own the integration contracts between software components and the systems they ship into — aircraft hardware, flight test infrastructure, factory automation, and enterprise tools.
• Design and maintain end-to-end validation suites — functional, integration, and environmental — that prove software behaves correctly on real hardware, not just in simulation.
• Partner with component teams (avionics, autonomy, GCS, manufacturing platform) to codify integration interfaces and enforce them through automated validation.
• Lead integration testing cycles for major software releases — define test plans, execute against real hardware, disposition defects, and sign off on flight and manufacturing readiness.
• Drive root-cause analysis when integrations fail — in development, in staging, in flight test, or on the factory floor.
• Build the tooling that makes integration testing repeatable, observable, and fast — the difference between a release cycle measured in weeks and one measured in days.
• Help define how integration and validation operates at Firestorm as the function matures from one engineer to a team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations
• 5+ years of integration, systems, or test engineering experience on hardware-connected software platforms.
• Demonstrated experience owning end-to-end validation of complex integrated systems on real hardware — not just writing tests, but defining what "done" means for scoped-release
• Strong programming skills (Python, C++ or both) for building integration tools and automating tests
• Track record of working across software, hardware, and operational disciplines — flight test, manufacturing, avionics, or equivalent — to land integrated deliveries
• Strong written communication and team leadership — you will author release test campaigns and drive cross functional teams through them.
• Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Work Environment

• 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. This 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. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). Compensation US Salary Range: $140,000 - $185,000 USD 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 evolve. Benefits & Perks 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 fast-growing 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 appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Equal Opportunity Statement 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 process. Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.