Test Automation Engineer in San Diego, California at Firestorm

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 Firestorm builds modular autonomous aircraft designed to adapt across missions, payloads, and deployment environments. Validating that software requires testing complete aircraft behaviors and interfaces, not just individual components. We are hiring a Senior Software Test Automation Engineer to build the tests, tools, and infrastructure used to validate aircraft software. You will automate end-to-end testing across SIL, HIL, and VIL environments and help make software integration and release testing faster, more repeatable, and easier to debug. This is a software engineering role focused on test. You will build automation and infrastructure used throughout development and formal release testing. What You’ll Do

• Automate aircraft behaviors — Build scenario-based tests for aircraft capabilities, interfaces, failures, and recovery behavior.
• Build test infrastructure — Develop frameworks, harnesses, services, and tooling for automated execution across SIL, HIL, and VIL.
• Automate release testing — Turn release test plans into repeatable automated campaigns with clear results and failure reporting.
• Build test orchestration — Improve configuration, execution, data collection, analysis, and reporting across test environments.
• Debug integration failures — Investigate problems across aircraft software, simulation, networking, hardware, and test infrastructure.
• Expand system coverage — Work with software and systems engineers to identify gaps and move meaningful testing earlier in development.
• Improve the test platform — Make automated testing easier to develop, run, maintain, and scale.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering, test automation, integration, or related experience
• U.S. person required due to ITAR regulations
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages
• Experience building automated test frameworks, harnesses, or infrastructure
• Experience testing complex integrated software systems
• Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation, or other hardware-connected test environments
• Strong debugging skills across software, interfaces, networking, and hardware
• Experience automating test execution, data collection, and result reporting
• Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD or software release workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing autonomous systems, robotics, aircraft, or vehicles
• Experience with scenario-based testing or fault injection
• Experience with distributed test execution or orchestration systems
• Experience analyzing telemetry or time-series system data
• Aerospace, defense, UAS, or safety-critical software experience

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.

Compensation US Salary Range: $150,000 – $195,000 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.