Staff Project Engineer, UAS Development in San Diego, California at Firestorm

Staff Project Engineer, UAS Development Who We Are At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that. We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell -- our deployable microfactory -- our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact. About the Role The Senior Staff Project Engineer, UAS Development is responsible for leading and coordinating the technical development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) throughout the entire product lifecycle: from initial prototype development, including conceptual design to first flight, through productionization. This utilizes strong engineering fundamentals and efficient technical program execution to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative UAS platforms. In addition to individual-contributor program execution, the Senior Staff Project Engineer is expected to build the functional processes and best practices that make UAS program execution repeatable across the team, not just for their own programs. What You’ll Do Project Leadership & Integration: 

• Manage technical maturity, ensuring alignment with program timelines and budgets. 
• Lead and coordinate program reviews from conceptual design reviews through production readiness reviews. 
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams including aero-performance, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, autonomy, software, flight testing, and payload integration. 
• Translate system specifications into derived requirements and manage system-level architecture and interfaces. 

Technical Oversight & Systems Engineering: 

• Provide peer reviews for technical deliverables such as stress analyses and flight test plans. 
• Ensure all subsystems (flight control, navigation, communication, propulsion, etc.) are effectively integrated and tested. 
• Map verification and validation methods to requirements. 
• Communicate technical risks through appropriate stakeholders. 

Building Functional Processes & Best Practices: 

• Own the systems engineering practices, digital engineering tools, and agile execution structures used across UAS programs. These will be a reusable standard for the team. 
• Establish repeatable templates and entry/exit criteria for design and program reviews so review quality doesn't depend on who's running it. 
• Build and maintain configuration management and interface control practices that scale as program count and team size grow. 
• Capture lessons learned from each development cycle and convert them into concrete process changes, checklists, or tooling. 
• Identify recurring cross-functional friction points (e.g., handoffs between design, manufacturing, and flight test) and design lightweight processes to close them. 
• Partner with engineering leadership to decide where formal process adds value versus where it slows down iteration. This role is expected to professionalize execution without over-processing a fast-moving org. 

Testing & Certification: 

• Support development of cross-functional input to test plans, test procedures, and data analysis for UAS verification and validation. 
• Ensure airworthiness, safety, and compliance with relevant UAS standards and operational guidelines (e.g., Part 107 or COA). 

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Interface with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and government agencies to align expectations and ensure project success. 
• Prepare and deliver project reports, risk assessments, and technical presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace development, with at least 3 years in a Project Engineer or equivalent technical program execution role.
• Experience in aircraft architecture, airframe development, or aircraft software development. Experience with flight controls, communications, or payload integration highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience building or substantially improving an engineering process (e.g., design review structure, configuration management, verification planning)—not just following an existing one.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, evolving environments with rapid development cycles.
• Deep understanding of first order principles, demonstrated by hand calculations of statics and mechanics.
• Proficient in systems engineering and technical program execution methodologies.
• Familiar with CAD and simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in aerospace development. 
• 5+ years in unmanned aerial systems or autonomous platforms. 
• Prior experience mentoring or informally leading engineers, even without a formal management title. 
• Private pilot, home-build aircraft, or RC build aircraft experience highly desirable. 
• Understanding of autonomy, AI/ML integration, or edge computing for UAS. 
• Familiarity with DoD, NASA, or commercial UAS programs. 
• Knowledge of UAS regulatory frameworks (FAA Part 107 or COA) and airworthiness requirements. 

Work Environment This role is based in San Diego, CA. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate. Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically within a calendar year in support of field operations, integration events, customer support and testing. Compensation US Salary Range: $165,000 – $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 July & 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