--- title: 'Applied AI & Optimization Engineer at Firestorm' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/applied-ai-optimization-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-mwn0275c46ft' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Applied AI & Optimization Engineer at Firestorm - **Company:** Firestorm - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Compensation:** $140k–$185k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-08-31 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://jobs.gem.com/firestorm/am9icG9zdDrnIHQnpEHWzHf2EnH3bsM4 ## Job description ## Who We Are 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. Near-term, your focus is the planning workbench and simulation engine: optimization algorithms for work order scheduling, resource allocation, and conflict resolution. 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. ## What You'll Do - 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. - Productionize optimization and ML systems in partnership with full-stack and infrastructure engineers - reliable services the platform depends on, not prototypes. - 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. Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience) - U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations - 5+ years of engineering experience with substantial applied optimization, operations research, or ML systems work. - Deep proficiency in Python; fluency with at least one optimization framework - MILP solvers, constraint solvers, OR-Tools, or equivalent. - Track record of productionizing algorithmic systems - you have shipped optimization or ML into real users' hands, not just research artifacts. - Strong applied math foundation: combinatorial optimization, heuristics, or statistical modeling relevant to scheduling and resource allocation problems. - Demonstrated ability to partner with domain experts and translate operational constraints into model formulations. - Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort. ## Preferred Qualifications - Prior experience building scheduling, planning, or resource allocation systems for manufacturing, logistics, or similar domains. - 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. Work Environment - Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA - This role requires an on-site presence - We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate. ## Compensation US Salary Range: $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. ## Benefits & Perks Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. 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. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: - 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 Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. ## 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. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need. ## About Firestorm ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Firestorm is a venture-backed defense technology company building an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem to produce and sustain modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems and parts at the point of need. - **Entity Type**: Private (VC-backed; Series A completed in July 2025) - **Headquarters**: San Diego, California, United States - **Founded**: 2022 - **Founders**: Dan Magy (CEO), Chad McCoy (CGO), Ian Muceus (CTO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense technology / Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Navy, Marine Corps, and allied forces (B2G) - **Mission statement**: “Equip warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Deliver adaptable resilience through uncontestable defense logistics.” ## Products & Services - **xCELL**: An expeditionary manufacturing unit that uses additive manufacturing (HP Multi-Jet Fusion) to produce high-strength polymer parts in the field. Off-grid, rapidly deployable, with secure communications and HVAC control. - **TEMPEST**: A modular unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed for production inside the xCELL unit. Configurable payloads for diverse mission sets. - **SQUALL**: An additively-manufactured first-person view (FPV) platform optimized for xCELL production. “Print. Build. Fly. Dominate.” - **Repair & Sustainment at the Edge**: On-demand production of replacement parts to keep units operational when resupply is delayed or denied. ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company) - **Key Metric**: Total funding of **$179.5M** across multiple rounds (as of mid-2025). Annual revenue estimated at **$7.6M** (Craft.co). - **Notable Investors / Partners**: The company has raised from at least 4 investors in the latest Series A ($47M announced July 2025), including debt financing and seed rounds. Specific investors not fully detailed in available sources but include VC firms backing defense tech. - **Growth Signals**: Employee headcount grew **95.9% YoY** to 127 people; job postings increased **4,400% YoY** (45 active openings). Talent sourced from Northrop Grumman, Shield AI, HP, General Atomics, L3Harris, and others. Awarded PY25.1 STRATFI funding (March 2025) to advance modular unmanned aerial systems. ## Competitive Advantages - **Expeditionary Manufacturing**: Forward-deployed additive manufacturing reduces dependence on traditional, centralized logistics – a key differentiator for contested environments. - **Modular Open-Source Architectures**: Platforms designed for rapid configuration and scalability, supporting “Affordable Mass” requirements of the DoD. - **Vertically Integrated Ecosystem**: Proprietary UAS platforms (Tempest, Squall) are purpose-built for the xCELL production process, creating a tight hardware-software-manufacturing loop. - **Founding Team**: CEO Dan Magy is a 5-time founder in defense hardware/robotics/AI with a previous exit (Citadel Defense). CGO Chad McCoy is a Tier 1 Special Operations veteran. CTO Ian Muceus is an additive manufacturing subject matter expert from Stratasys. ## Strategic Focus - **Current priorities**: Scaling expeditionary manufacturing units (xCELL) for field deployment; expanding modular UAS platforms (Tempest, Squall); deepening relationships with Navy, USMC, SOCOM, and CENTCOM; hiring aggressively across engineering, operations, and business development. - **Direction for growth**: Move from prototype to production at scale, build a network of distributed production assets, and become a prime supplier of affordable, mission-adaptable systems for the DoD. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: “Build toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics.” Emphasis on solving hard problems that reshape defense. Flat, mission-driven team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers. - **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Mix of in-office (San Diego HQ, Rome NY), hybrid, and fully remote roles depending on position. Engineering roles often San Diego-based with some remote flexibility. - **Notable Perks**: Opportunity to work at the intersection of additive manufacturing, robotics, and defense; fast-growing startup with significant VC backing; direct impact on warfighter capabilities. - **Engineering Culture**: Heavy focus on embedded systems, automation, airframe design, RF, AI/optimization, and manufacturing engineering. Teams are small, cross-functional, and hands-on. ## Sources 1. [Gem Careers – Firestorm](https://jobs.gem.com/firestorm) 2. [launchfirestorm.com – Solution & About](https://launchfirestorm.com/?from_theconsensus=1) 3. [LinkedIn – Firestorm Labs](https://linkedin.com/company/firestorm-labs) 4. [Built In – Firestorm Careers](https://builtin.com/company/firestorm) 5. [Craft.co – Firestorm Company Profile](https://craft.co/firestorm) ## Other roles at Firestorm - [UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-Rome, NY](https://feeny.ai/job/uas-operational-pilot-instructor-rome-ny-firestorm-rome-9t4qkwntzghf) — Rome, Italy - [UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-San Diego](https://feeny.ai/job/uas-operational-pilot-instructor-san-diego-firestorm-san-diego-1d9yq5snxg5t) — San Diego, CA - [Senior Manufacturing Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manufacturing-specialist-firestorm-san-diego-wv83fajvyexa) — San Diego, CA - [Electronics Engineering Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/electronics-engineering-technician-firestorm-san-diego-6sp3n4d2whfk) — San Diego, CA - [Staff Project Engineer, UAS Development](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-project-engineer-uas-development-firestorm-san-diego-m65ptbyframy) — San Diego, CA - [Cloud Infrastructure Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cloud-infrastructure-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-mdf4f36rxhpa) — San Diego, CA - [Staff Platform Security Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-platform-security-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-h1p3qv2xvk48) — San Diego, CA - [Senior Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-qw3c7g3xgkjd) — San Diego, CA - [Test Automation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/test-automation-engineer-firestorm-san-diego-0c1zhb6shxdd) — San Diego, CA - [Full Stack Engineer - Crucible](https://feeny.ai/job/full-stack-engineer-crucible-firestorm-san-diego-0fyeqs7x4aca) — San Diego, CA