Embedded & Automation Engineer

Who We Are Firestorm is building the next generation of uncrewed aircraft and the advanced manufacturing systems that deliver them at speed. The Software Integration & Operations department owns the software layer that spans factory floor to cloud - the applications, automation, edge systems, and intelligence that make it possible to iterate product designs, automate advanced manufacturing, and scale production with uncompromising quality and rigor. This team will own everything that runs on the factory floor below the application layer: real-time control software, cobot integration, bring-up automation, test fixtures, and the hardware abstraction layer that lets factory systems speak to our cloud platform. As an Embedded & Automation Engineer, you will build the software that turns a physical manufacturing cell into an intelligent, automated, data-producing system. You will integrate cobots, design and operate hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop test infrastructure, build bring-up and flashing tools, and own the hardware abstraction layer that the rest of the platform depends on. This role lives at the software/hardware boundary and demands fluency in both, you will need to excel in rapid-development and hardening for scale and safety. What You'll Do Design and implement embedded and real-time software for manufacturing cell automation - cobot integration, fixture control, bring-up sequences, and data acquisition. Build and operate SIL / HIL / VIL infrastructure for automated validation of hardware and software integration. Own the edge agent and hardware abstraction layer that interfaces between factory equipment and the cloud platform. Develop firmware-adjacent tooling for bring-up and flashing of production hardware, including factory flashing stations. Partner with manufacturing engineering and hardware teams to define the automation strategy for each manufacturing cell. Drive integration of robotics middleware (ROS 2 or equivalent) with industrial cobots such as UR, Fanuc, or ABB. 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 embedded, real-time, or robotics software engineering experience. Strong proficiency in C / C++ and Python; comfortable at the software / hardware boundary. Hands-on experience with industrial cobots or robotic systems (UR, Fanuc, ABB, or similar) and motion control. Experience building or operating HIL / SIL test infrastructure for hardware-connected software. Fluency with Linux-based embedded systems, real-time operating systems, or equivalent. Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort. Preferred Qualifications 10+ years of embedded, real-time, or robotics software engineering experience. Demonstrated ability to influence across engineering without formal authority: design reviews, technical decisions, and cross-team alignment. Background in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics deployments. Experience with ROS 2 or equivalent robotics middleware. Prior experience with firmware bring-up and hardware flashing tooling. Aerospace, defense, or regulated-manufacturing experience. Work Environment Remote (U.S.) with the option to be 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 Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations Compensation US Salary Range: $140,000 - $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) 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. Compensation The base pay range for this role is $140,000 – $230,000 per year.