Firestorm Logo

Firestorm

Senior Software Integration Engineer (Payloads & Integrations)

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
San Diego, CA
140K-155K Annually
Senior level
In-Office
San Diego, CA
140K-155K Annually
Senior level
Develop and maintain software integrations connecting payload hardware, mission applications, and autonomous systems. Integrate SDKs and APIs for cameras, radios, sensors, and other equipment; build configuration, monitoring, and control tools; customize mission applications; debug Linux, networking, hardware, and distributed software systems; create Docker deployments; and support field testing and upstream production integration.
The summary above was generated by AI
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 is seeking a Senior Software Integration Engineer to join our Payloads & Integrations team. This role exists to accelerate the integration of new mission payloads and capabilities into Firestorm's autonomous systems.

You will operate at the intersection of software, hardware, and mission systems – developing the interfaces, tooling, and integrations required to rapidly deploy new payload capabilities. This includes integrating cameras, radios, sensors, and other mission equipment through SDKs, APIs, and custom software workflows. You will work closely with Firestorm's core software organization, which owns the mainline software stack. Your role will be to rapidly develop and validate payload integrations through an out-of-cycle (branched) development process, then collaborate with the broader software organization to upstream production-ready capabilities into future releases.

This is a hands-on IC engineering role for someone who enjoys moving quickly across software layers, debugging complex systems, and solving ambiguous integration problems.

What You'll Do 

  • Build and maintain software interfaces between payload hardware, mission applications, and autonomy systems
  • Integrate SDKs and APIs for cameras, gimbals, radios, sensors, and other mission equipment 
  • Develop tools and applications supporting payload configuration, monitoring, and control
  • Customize or extend mission applications such as QGroundControl, TAK-based applications, and related operator interfaces
  • Debug complex systems spanning Linux, networking, hardware interfaces, and distributed software components 
  • Build Docker-based deployment workflows for fielded software capabilities
  • Work within a side-branch development process and collaborate with the core software team to make upstream production-ready changes 
  • Participate in field testing, demonstrations, and integration activities

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 professional software engineering experience.
  • Strong programming ability in one or more modern languages (C++, Python, Rust, Go, Java, TypeScript, or similar).
  • Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort. 
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals with experience across multiple layers of the stack 
  • Strong Linux experience including command-line workflows, debugging, and system administration tasks 
  • Experience with networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, and network troubleshooting 
  • Experience integrating software with external systems through APIs, SDKs, or communication protocols 
  • Ability to quickly understand and modify large existing codebases 
  • Experience developing reliable production software in fast-moving environments
  • Experience with Git including branching and upstream contributions
Preferred Qualifications 

  • Background that includes both startup and scale-stage product engineering. 
  • Experience with autonomous systems, UAVs, robotics, or defense technology 
  • Experience with QGroundControl, MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, or similar platforms 
  • Experience with TAK ecosystems or tactical mission applications 
  • Experience integrating cameras, gimbals, radios, or other payload hardware 
  • Experience with embedded systems or edge computing environments 
  • Experience with Docker and containerized deployments 
  • Experience contributing changes back into shared production software repositories 
  • Experience supporting field deployments and troubleshooting operational systems

Work Environment

Based at our Headquarters 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 

This role includes occasional domestic travel (approximately 10%) for field testing, payload integration, demonstrations, and operational support.

Compensation

US Salary Range: $140,000 - $155,000 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 [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.

Similar Jobs

22 Minutes Ago
In-Office
184K-276K Annually
Senior level
184K-276K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead cross-functional maritime autonomy integration programs from concept through production and operational deployment. Manage scope, schedules, budgets, resources, risks, technical performance, integration readiness, testing, customer deliverables, and operational outcomes for USV and future UUV programs. Coordinate engineering, product, operations, executive, international, and customer stakeholders; facilitate reviews and decision-making; remove execution blockers; support proposals and strategic growth initiatives.
Top Skills: Aerospace SystemsAutonomy SoftwareHivemind AutonomySoftware-Enabled SystemsUnmanned Surface Vehicles (Usvs)Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (Uuvs)
23 Minutes Ago
In-Office
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
157K-210K Annually
Senior level
157K-210K Annually
Senior level
Cloud • Information Technology • Machine Learning
Lead technical programs delivering GPU and CPU compute fleets from infrastructure handover through provisioning, validation, operational acceptance, and steady-state operations. Translate customer and business requirements into delivery plans, manage dependencies and blockers, assess capacity gaps, drive prioritization, establish readiness criteria, and coordinate cross-functional engineering and operations teams. Define delivery metrics, improve forecasting, and identify tooling, automation, and process improvements to increase provisioning throughput and operational readiness.
Top Skills: Computer NetworkingCpuData Center InfrastructureGpuHardware/Software IntegrationInfrastructure AutomationServer ProvisioningSQL
26 Minutes Ago
Hybrid
San Francisco, CA, USA
125K-150K Annually
Mid level
125K-150K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Software
Own and improve employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, offboarding, HRIS administration, benefits, payroll inputs, employee records, policies, and performance programs. Support employees and managers with people-related guidance, maintain HR documentation, analyze people metrics, and build scalable processes in a fast-growing startup.
Top Skills: Applicant Tracking SystemsAshbyCollaboration ToolsHrisPayroll SystemsRippling

What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene

San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.

Key Facts About San Francisco Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
  • Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
  • Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account