Sr. Staff Project Engineer, UAS Development

Sr. Staff Project Engineer, UAS Development San Diego, CA

Engineering

In office

Full-time

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:

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—not just retrospective notes.

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.

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: $195,000 – $230,000 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) Re