Firestorm

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, USA · Principal

No sponsorship$200k-$230kDetected 85 days ago

Full-Stack DevelopmentCloud PlatformsIncident ResponseLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoring

About the role

As a Principal Engineer in the team, you are the senior-most technical leader across engineering execution.

Lead the hardest engineering initiatives across the department - high-risk migrations, new module launches, incident response, and cross-team efforts where execution quality is the dominant risk.
Partner with the System Architect on landing architectural direction in engineering execution: translating reference designs into implementation plans, flagging where execution reality should inform architectural revision, and holding the line on system coherence during the build.
Partner with the department head on roadmap, staffing, and technical strategy - the right hand who translates direction into engineering execution.
Partner with the
You write production code when it matters, and you choose your leverage deliberately - mentoring a senior engineer through a design, stepping into an incident, leading a high-risk migration, or pair-programming on a critical path feature.
Where the System Architect owns the reference architecture and the coherence of the system's design, the Principal Engineer owns the quality of how engineering is executed against that design.
Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
Who We Are Firestorm is building the next generation of uncrewed aircraft and the advanced manufacturing systems that deliver them at speed.

Track record of leading engineering execution on non-trivial systems - features shipped, incidents handled, migrations landed, and teams raised to a higher bar.
Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine equipment as well as standard office equipment.
Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

Prior Staff or Principal engineering role at a company shipping hardware-connected software.
Nominally with experience in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense software environments.
Experience leading engineering through rapid scale - from a small team into a structured department.
Background that includes both startup and mature-scale engineering organizations.
This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).
This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments.
May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.
This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.

$200,000 - $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.
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.
Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
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.

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.
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 10+ years of engineering experience with demonstrated impact across multiple production systems

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