Engineering Manager, Avionics Platform

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

2d•$180,000 - $228,000•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and driven Engineering Manager, Avionics Platform to lead the development, integration, and deployment of avionics and embedded platform systems for our next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role combines deep technical ownership with people leadership, requiring a strong background in embedded firmware, avionics integration, and cross-domain system development across hardware, software, networking, and RF environments. In this role, you will lead and mentor a team of firmware, embedded platform, and integration engineers responsible for advancing flight-critical avionics systems from architecture through validation and field deployment. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate flight-critical systems, resolve complex technical issues across domains, and support both IRAD and field operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who is detail-oriented, execution-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where rapid iteration, mission readiness, and field validation are core to success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
At least 8 years of experience in embedded systems, avionics, firmware, platform engineering, or related technical development
At least 2 years of experience directly managing engineers or serving in a technical leadership role with responsibility for mentoring, execution, and team development
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Deep expertise in embedded software and firmware development in C/C++ for microcontroller- and processor-based systems
Strong experience with STM32 or similar ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers, including direct register-level programming, peripheral configuration, and hardware bring-up
Strong knowledge of bare-metal development, RTOS concepts, and real-time debugging tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
Strong networking knowledge, including configuration and troubleshooting of Ethernet, TCP/IP, VPNs, VLANs, and wireless systems
Proficient with Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat) and Windows systems, with strong command-line skills
Extensive programming and scripting experience in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++, including embedded software development, automation, and integration tooling
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot across embedded software, avionics hardware, networking, and RF communications
Experience leading hardware-software integration efforts and collaborating closely with EE, ME, software, and test teams
Understanding of virtualization and container tools such as VMware, Docker, or Kubernetes
Awareness of cybersecurity principles as they apply to embedded systems, tactical networks, and unmanned platforms
Strong technical writing skills for documenting architectures, systems, procedures, test plans, and troubleshooting steps

Nice To Haves

10+ years of experience in embedded systems, avionics, platform engineering, or UAS development
Experience leading teams in high-tech, aerospace, robotics, or DoD-related manufacturing environments, including prior work in the military or with aircraft, spacecraft, or autonomous systems
Proven track record delivering sUAS or UAS platforms from development through fielding in defense or commercial domains
Expertise in writing and managing system-level test plans, verification protocols, requirements traceability, and formal integration and validation processes
Familiarity with MISRA C/C++, DO-178C, IEC 62304, ISO 26262, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, or similar industry and defense standards
Proficiency with PX4 Autopilot, including configuration, parameter tuning, diagnostics, and flight-test support
Working knowledge of ROS or equivalent robotics middleware for autonomous systems
Practical experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw and familiarity with SysML for requirements and system architecture management
Experience using simulation tools such as Gazebo, Unreal Engine, or Unity for mission modeling and system validation
Understanding of cybersecurity risks related to unmanned systems, RF networks, embedded avionics, and secure communications
Knowledge of FAA regulatory frameworks and airworthiness certification processes for UAS platforms
Experience with SDRs, tactical communications, or electronic warfare system integration
Familiarity with bootloaders, firmware update mechanisms, secure boot, HSMs, TrustZone, or other embedded security features
Experience with embedded Linux development and modern build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot
Advanced degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, MBA, or a related technical discipline is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead and grow a multidisciplinary avionics platform team spanning embedded firmware, hardware/software integration, avionics bring-up, and system validation for flight-critical UAS subsystems
Manage, mentor, and develop engineers across embedded platform and integrations disciplines, including performance management, coaching, hiring, and career development
Own technical execution, team priorities, staffing alignment, and delivery for avionics platform roadmap items across IRAD, product development, integration, and field support activities
Guide the development and optimization of low-level embedded software in C/C++ for avionics systems, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems with a focus on performance, reliability, security, and safety
Provide technical leadership for porting frameworks and applications to new RTOSes and hardware platforms, including creating Board Support Packages (BSPs), adapting Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs), and configuring cross-compilation toolchains for architectures such as ARM Cortex-M
Oversee the design and integration of peripheral drivers and embedded interfaces including I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, ADC, PWM, DMA, Ethernet, and wireless protocols
Partner with hardware teams on schematic reviews, board bring-up, hardware-software integration, and validation of features such as secure boot, watchdogs, and fault-tolerant designs
Drive end-to-end integration of avionics, mission payloads, flight controllers, RF links, tactical and airborne networks, and embedded communications to ensure robust platform performance in lab and operational environments
Support cross-domain troubleshooting across electromechanical, software, networking, and RF subsystems in both lab and field settings, helping teams diagnose root cause and drive durable fixes
Establish and enforce engineering best practices for code quality, secure coding, debugging, version control, CI/CD, unit testing, integration testing, system validation, and requirements traceability
Lead technical trade studies, architecture reviews, design reviews, and root-cause investigations across embedded, networking, RF, and avionics domains
Support the development and maintenance of embedded software, automation scripts, diagnostics, and integration tools using Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++
Translate mission and operational requirements into technical specifications, integration plans, team objectives, and execution milestones
Oversee the design, execution, and documentation of test plans, integration guides, test reports, troubleshooting manuals, and validation artifacts
Collaborate with internal engineering teams and leverage Firestorm’s manufacturing and simulation capabilities to accelerate deployment cycles and field readiness
Serve as a key interface across engineering, flight test, operations, and program stakeholders to ensure platform maturity, mission readiness, and timely delivery

Benefits

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.