Integrations Engineer

Join the Integrations Engineer role at Firestorm
.

At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost‑efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC‑backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we pioneer the development of mission‑adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators.

Firestorm Labs seeks an experienced Senior Integrations Engineer to support the integration of advanced payloads into our next‑generation Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). You will work directly with customers at a Department of Defense installation to specify, install, test, and troubleshoot their custom physical and digital payloads. This role requires a strong background in avionics, embedded systems, RF communications, tactical networking, and real‑time software integration.

You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to effectively integrate customer‑defined payloads—including platform, autonomy, and software engineering—into mission‑ready systems in high‑pressure environments. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on problem solver with deep technical depth, a background in UAV systems, and the ability to lead complex integration projects.

• Integrate avionics, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems while meeting reliability, safety, and performance standards.
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot tactical and airborne networks, including RF links and embedded communications systems.
• Diagnose and resolve electromechanical, avionics, and embedded software issues in lab and field environments.
• Translate mission requirements into clear technical specifications.
• Develop and maintain embedded and application‑level software. Write scripts and tools in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++ for automation, testing, and integration.
• Create and execute test plans, validate performance, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations.
• Partner with our Technical Writer(s) to develop documentation including integration guides, test reports, user manuals, and troubleshooting materials.
• Collaborate across teams and use Firestorm’s additive manufacturing and simulation tools to accelerate development.
• Provide performance data and constructive feedback to hardware design and manufacturing teams.
• Perform repair and rework on Firestorm's product line and third‑party hardware systems, ensuring continued mission readiness.
• Support the preparation, configuration, and deployment of MECCS (Modular Electronic Command and Control Systems).
• Assemble and integrate custom or ad‑hoc payloads, both hardware and software, based on mission and customer‑specific needs.
• Stay informed about the latest technologies in avionics, embedded systems, tactical networking, and unmanned systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in systems integration, troubleshooting, and field operations.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
• Strong networking knowledge, including configuration and troubleshooting of Ethernet, TCP/IP, VPNs, VLANs, and wireless systems.
• Proficiency with Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat) and Windows systems, with strong command‑line skills.
• Programming and scripting experience in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++, including embedded software development.
• Skill in troubleshooting across avionics systems, embedded software, RF equipment, and integrated hardware stacks.
• Familiarity with Software Defined Radios (SDRs), including configuration and performance tuning.
• Experience with virtualization and container tools such as VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Understanding of cybersecurity compliance requirements and best practices for embedded systems and tactical networks.
• Strong technical writing skills for documenting systems, procedures, and…