Firestorm

Applied AI & Optimization Engineer

San Diego, USA

No sponsorship$140k-$185kDetected 85 days ago

PythonFull-Stack DevelopmentAlgorithmsMachine LearningLLMsStatisticsLogisticsSystems EngineeringResearchCollaboration

About the role

Near-term, your focus is the planning workbench and simulation engine: optimization algorithms for work order scheduling, resource allocation, and conflict resolution.
Strong applied math foundation: combinatorial optimization, heuristics, or statistical modeling relevant to scheduling and resource allocation problems.

Own the optimization algorithms behind the planning workbench and simulation engine - scheduling, resource allocation, constraint satisfaction, conflict detection.
Design and implement the analytics layer of the platform: defect trends, yield analytics, throughput modeling, and operational intelligence.
Lead the platform's AI assistant integration: selecting, evaluating, deploying, and fine-tuning open-source or custom LLMs for cloud, air-gapped, and on-edge contexts.
Partner with domain experts in manufacturing engineering, quality, and planning to ground models and algorithms in real operational constraints.
Evaluate and advocate for build-vs-buy decisions across optimization libraries, ML tooling, and model vendors.
Longer-term, you will lead integration of open-source and custom LLMs into the platform's AI assistant - including air-gapped and on-edge deployments for DoD contexts.

Deep proficiency in Python
Track record of productionizing algorithmic systems - you have shipped optimization or ML into real users' hands, not just research artifacts.

Hands-on experience deploying or fine-tuning open-source LLMs (Llama, Mistral, or similar) for constrained environments.
Background with air-gapped or on-edge model deployment.
Familiarity with discrete-event simulation or agent-based modeling.
Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or regulated industry applications.
combinatorial optimization, heuristics, or statistical modeling relevant to scheduling and resource allocation problems.
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

$140,000 - $185,000 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.
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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
Firestorm's manufacturing platform has an intelligence layer - a planning workbench, a simulation engine, an analytics surface, and eventually an AI assistant - that turns operational data into better decisions.
Building this layer requires applied math, pragmatic ML systems engineering, and a deep understanding of the manufacturing domain it serves.
As an Applied AI & Optimization Engineer, you will own the algorithms and systems behind this intelligence layer.
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work.

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.

Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations 5+ years of engineering experience with substantial applied optimization, operations research, or ML systems work

This listing is sourced directly from Firestorm's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.