Firestorm

Software QA Engineer, Embedded Linux

San Diego, USA · Full-time

Work authorization required$100k-$130kDetected 51 days ago

PythonC++BashPowerShellGitDockerCI/CDGitHub ActionsJenkinsLinuxWebSocketsCybersecurityJiraProcurementEmbedded SystemsAvionicsEMI/EMCMIL-STDDO-160DO-178RoboticsPower ElectronicspytestWireshark

About the role

You'll blend expert exploratory/system testing with targeted automation across HIL/SIL rigs, exercising real buses (CAN/CAN-FD, UART, SPI, I²C, Ethernet) and stressing links (MAVLink, Tactical Data Links, etc.) under real-world fault conditions.
This is a full-time, onsite role at our San Diego HQ.

Responsibilities

Own system test for embedded Linux, providing fast, actionable feedback on functional defects, timing issues, and regressions that impact flight safety and operator trust.
Validate engineering work: during sprints engineering individual tasks will be verified to the acceptance criteria defined by the task and verified in the build.
Instrument and diagnose: collect structured logs/metrics; create packet and log scrapers; use Wireshark, logic-analyzer traces, and serial/TCP/UDP sniffers to isolate timing and state issues quickly.
Own defect triage: minimize and reproduce; steps, suspected root cause; track to closure with responsible engineers.
Practical experience building automated tests with Python (pytest/Robot or equivalent) controlling benches over serial/CAN/Ethernet; comfort with C/C++ artifacts and host-based unit tests (gtest).
Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
Who We Are At Firestorm, we're on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered.

Requirements

Ability to lift/move lab kits (~25 lbs) occasionally and follow lab/range safety procedures.
Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field 5+ years professional QA/SDET experience, including automation for embedded/real-time or safety-critical systems.

Nice to have

Deep experience with HIL/SIL design (sensor and bus emulation, fault injection, golden-trace comparison) and data-driven test design.
Experience with PX4/ArduPilot middleware, uORB/parameters, and flight-control logging
familiarity with QGroundControl mission/telemetry workflows.
Protocol/domain knowledge: MAVLink, STANAG 4586, Cursor-on-Target, DDS/RTPS, CAN diagnostics.
Comfort with radios, GNSS, IMUs, payload interfaces, and lab bring-up
basic electronics (oscilloscope/logic-analyzer/JTAG) a plus.
Performance/reliability testing: stress/soak/latency, boot-time and watchdog behavior, power-interrupt/EMI considerations
awareness of DO-178C/DO-160/MIL-STD-810/461 practices.

Compensation

$100,000 - $130,000 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.

Benefits

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.
Generous Parental Leave FSA 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.

Company info

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're pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators.
By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we're pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design.
We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost.
Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work.

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.

Visa & Work Authorization

Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U

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