System Architect 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.
About the Role
As a System Architect, you own the end-to-end software system architecture that turns a product design into a manufactured aircraft. Your scope is not a single service or module — it is the integrated system: the digitized product definition, the manufacturing software platform, the factory floor automation layer, the intelligence and optimization modules, and the data contracts that tie them together. You define how product information flows from engineering release, through NPI, into manufacturing execution, and back as operational feedback — and you make sure the software systems supporting that flow form a coherent whole rather than a stack of disconnected tools.
This is a software systems architect role, not a classical systems engineering role. You are expected to write code, read code, and go deep into the software — data models, API contracts, service boundaries, optimization formulations, edge-to-cloud protocols — wherever the architectural question requires depth. This role requires deep technical expertise and delivery focused leadership, you will be essential in building Firestorm’s advanced manufacturing platform, aircraft software, and factory automation.
What You'll Do

• Own the reference architecture for the manufacturing software system end-to-end: product definition, platform, edge, automation, intelligence modules, and the integration contracts between them.
• Define and evolve the canonical domain model — how product definitions, work orders, engineering changes, effectivity, and operational feedback are represented across the system.
• Author the system-level design documents that engineers build against — reference architectures, canonical data models, API contracts, integration specifications.
• Serve as technical authority on cross-program architectural questions: how the system absorbs a new product program, a new manufacturing cell, a new module, or a new deployment topology without accumulating fragmentation.
• Write production code where it matters — proof-of-concept implementations that prove a design works, critical path contributions when the architecture is load-bearing, and reviews that hold the line on system coherence.
• Partner closely with the Principal Engineer on how architecture lands in engineering execution, and with the department head on how architecture informs roadmap and strategy.
• Partner with Applied AI engineers to devise optimization models, and with Full Stack engineers to redesign data schemas.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations
• 10+ years of software engineering experience, with a substantial portion of that time spent architecting, implementing, and shipping integrated software systems
• Demonstrated track record of success as a hands-on architect, with software solutions delivered in the past
• Deep software breadth — you are fluent across application, data, distributed systems, and integration concerns, and you can go deep on any of them when required.
• Strong applied math or algorithmic literacy — you can partner with an optimization engineer on problem formulation and reason about the math, not just the code around it.
• Exceptional written communication. The reference architecture document is your primary artifact, and engineers should actually use it.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across engineering without formal authority: design reviews, technical decisions, and cross-team alignment.
• Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience architecting software systems for manufacturing, aerospace, defense, industrial IoT, or other hardware-connected domains.
• Hands-on experience with scheduling, planning, or resource allocation optimization — MILP, constraint programming, or heuristic approaches.
• Familiarity with MES, PLM, ERP, or similar enterprise manufacturing systems and their integration patterns.
• Experience designing systems for regulated deployment environments (FedRAMP, ITAR, air-gapped DoD).

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: $160,000 - $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.