Firestorm

Firestorm

Aerospace Engineer - Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization

San Diego, USA

Work authorization required$120k-$170kDetected 2 days ago
PythonData StructuresGitCI/CDCFDAerospace EngineeringCollaborationAdaptability

About the role

  • This tool will sit at the heart of how Firestorm designs its next generation of mission-adaptable unmanned aerial systems, coupling aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, mass, stability & control, performance, and cost models into a unified, automated design environment.
  • You will architect the framework, build and integrate the discipline models, and put the tool to work running the trade studies and design optimizations that shape our vehicles.
  • This position requires a deep foundation in aircraft conceptual and preliminary design, coupled with strong software development skills and practical experience building or working within MDAO environments.

Responsibilities

  • Architect, develop, and maintain Firestorm's MDAO framework (e.g., built on OpenMDAO or a comparable environment), including the underlying data structures, solver strategies, and workflow orchestration.
  • Develop and integrate discipline analysis modules - aerodynamics (vortex-lattice, panel, and CFD-based), propulsion performance decks, structures and mass, stability & control, and mission/performance analysis.
  • Build parametric geometry pipelines (e.g., OpenVSP or CAD-integrated) that enable rapid exploration of unconventional UAS configurations.
  • Implement and apply optimization methods including gradient-based and gradient-free optimization, design of experiments, and surrogate modeling.
  • Validate tool outputs against wind tunnel, flight test, and higher-fidelity analysis data, and quantify model uncertainty.
  • Execute vehicle-level trade studies and sizing analyses to support new product development and customer-driven configuration changes.
  • Work cross-functionally with airframe, propulsion, manufacturing, and autonomy teams to ensure the tool reflects real-world design constraints, including additive manufacturing considerations.
  • Firestorm Labs is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Aerospace Engineer to lead the development of our in-house Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization (MDAO) tool.
  • 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.

Requirements

  • Hands-on experience with an MDAO framework (e.g., OpenMDAO, ModelCenter, Dakota, SUAVE) or demonstrated experience building multidisciplinary analysis pipelines.
  • Experience with numerical optimization methods and design space exploration.
  • Ability to operate in fast-paced, iterative development environments.
  • U.S. Person status (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required due to ITAR regulations.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required] Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically for field operations, integration events, and testing

Nice to have

  • Experience with tools such as OpenVSP, AVL, XFOIL, SU2, Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or NASTRAN.
  • Experience with surrogate modeling, uncertainty quantification, or gradient-based optimization with analytic derivatives.
  • Prior experience designing small UAS, especially Group 2-3 unmanned aircraft.
  • Experience with software engineering practices: Git, CI/CD, unit testing, and containerized or HPC compute environments.
  • the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale.
  • Firestorm exists to change that.
  • From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell - our deployable microfactory - our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need.
  • Establish best practices for version control, testing, documentation, and continuous integration of engineering software.

Compensation

  • $120,000 - $170,000 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.

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.
  • 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 are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems.
  • Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale.
  • We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter.
  • We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.
  • Who We Are At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems.
  • 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.
  • Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment.
  • Equal Opportunity Statement Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • U.S. Person status (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required due to ITAR regulations
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This listing is sourced directly from Firestorm's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.