Systems Software Engineer, Linux/Edge 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 uncrewed aircraft and the manufacturing network that produces them: full-capability plants, deployable xCell edge factories, and forward-deployed sites that stand up production near the point of need. Crucible is the software that runs that network. It runs in the cloud, inside a factory, and air-gapped in classified environments. At the edge, Crucible has to operate reliably on local compute, connect to factory equipment, and keep working when cloud infrastructure and internet connectivity are unavailable. We are hiring a Staff Software Engineer to build the systems layer behind Crucible's edge deployments. You'll own the Linux environment, deployment and lifecycle infrastructure, and the interfaces between Crucible and the machines, workstations, printers, test equipment, and other systems on the factory floor. What You’ll Do

• Build Crucible's edge platform — Design the runtime and infrastructure that runs Crucible in factories, xCells, and air-gapped environments.
• Own the Linux environment — Define how systems are configured, provisioned, networked, secured, updated, and recovered.
• Connect the factory floor — Build interfaces to machines, workstations, printers, scanners, test equipment, and other production hardware.
• Build for disconnected operation — Make edge systems reliable through network loss, degraded connectivity, restart, and recovery.
• Own device lifecycle — Build tooling for provisioning, configuration, software updates, diagnostics, and fleet management.
• Debug the full system — Troubleshoot problems across applications, Linux, networking, peripherals, and physical equipment.
• Partner on architecture — Work with software leadership and architecture on edge-to-cloud interfaces, deployment topology, security, and system boundaries.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years building systems, platform, infrastructure, or embedded Linux software
• U.S. person required due to ITAR regulations
• Deep Linux experience, including processes, networking, filesystems, service management, and system debugging
• Strong proficiency in at least one systems programming language
• Experience building and operating software on physical or edge compute
• Strong networking fundamentals
• Experience with provisioning, configuration management, software updates, or device lifecycle management
• Experience integrating software with hardware, peripherals, or external devices
• Demonstrated ability to debug problems across software, operating system, network, and hardware boundaries

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rust, C++, Go, or Python
• Experience with containers and edge orchestration
• Experience with air-gapped or intermittently connected systems
• Experience with Linux image creation, boot processes, systemd, kernel configuration, or device drivers
• Experience with industrial protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, serial, or CAN
• Experience integrating industrial equipment, test systems, printers, scanners, or factory automation
• Experience with secure boot, device identity, disk encryption, or hardening Linux systems
• Aerospace, defense, robotics, industrial automation, or manufacturing 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: $175,000 – $220,000 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.