--- title: 'Senior Software QA Engineer, Avionics Platform at Firestorm' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-qa-engineer-avionics-platform-firestorm-san-diego-6vvbpe6j7r3s' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Senior Software QA Engineer, Avionics Platform at Firestorm - **Company:** Firestorm - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-08-12 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://jobs.gem.com/firestorm/am9icG9zdDqsN7nhfCF3OdZhmyORkhI1 ## Job description ## Who We Are 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. ## About the Role Firestorm’s Avionics Platform team builds the software platform that flies our vehicles: flight computers and peripheral controllers running embedded Linux and RTOS stacks; middleware and Linux services; low-level drivers and HALs; and the critical interfaces that connect autonomy, payloads, and comms. We’re hiring a Senior Software QA Engineer to be the first deep-testing line for this avionics stack—validating embedded firmware, board support packages, device drivers, and safety-critical data paths long before Flight Test. 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. You’ll partner closely with avionics, autonomy, radio, and payload engineers to harden reliability where it matters most: on the aircraft. This is a full-time, onsite role at our San Diego HQ. Expect meaningful hands-on time with benches, flight computers, power systems, radios, and sensors to validate end-to-end flight workflows. What You’ll Do - Own system test for avionics (embedded Linux + RTOS targets), providing fast, actionable feedback on functional defects, timing issues, and regressions that impact flight safety and operator trust. - Plan and execute risk-based strategies: feature/bring-up test plans, exploratory charters, protocol-level regression suites, acceptance criteria, and release sign-off gates ahead of Flight Test. - Build and maintain automation for HIL/SIL: - SIL: host-based unit/integration tests for drivers and middleware (e.g., gtest/pytest), simulation of sensors/buses, fault-injection hooks. - HIL: Python-driven benches to exercise serial/CAN/Ethernet I/O, sensor emulators, and power-cycle/bootloader/OTA flows; automate log capture and golden-trace diffs. - Stand up reproducible rigs: power supplies/electronic loads, CAN analyzers, logic analyzers, GNSS/sensor simulators, programmable RF links; script scenario playback and telemetry injection. - Validate robustness under degraded conditions: jitter, clock drift, packet loss/duplication, bus contention, brownouts, hot-plug, and watchdog resets; verify safe behavior and recovery paths. - 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; file high-signal reports with traces, steps, suspected root cause; track to closure with responsible engineers. - Shift-left quality with the team: review code/IDLs from a testability lens, encourage dependency hygiene, feature flags, determinism controls, and golden datasets. - Integrate into CI/CD (GitLab/Jenkins): hardware runners for on-bench smoke, protocol/regression gates, and per-target artifact validation (e.g., .bin/.hex, DFU, OTA). - Contribute to safety, security, and reliability hardening aligned to MIL-STD/DO guidance (negative testing, fuzzing on parsers, permission audits, fail-safe defaults, persistent-state hygiene). - Produce crisp test docs (plans, procedures, bench/bring-up checklists) and mentor engineers on embedded QA techniques and automation patterns. ## Qualifications - 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. - Hands-on testing for embedded Linux and/or RTOS (e.g., NuttX, FreeRTOS, PX4) and driver/HAL layers across UART/SPI/I²C/CAN-FD/Ethernet. - 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). - Comfortable validating networked real-time systems (MAVLink, DDS, WebSockets), async I/O, and telemetry flows under constrained or lossy links. - Proficient with Linux and Windows test environments, CLI tooling, scripting (Python/Bash/PowerShell), and Git. - Experience integrating test suites into CI/CD (GitLab CI/Jenkins/GitHub Actions) and working with firmware packaging/bootloaders/OTA. - Strong exploratory testing, defect isolation, and written communication—able to translate flight and bring-up workflows into crisp, testable scenarios. - U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. ## Preferred Qualifications - 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. - Experience with Yocto/Buildroot, containerized benches (Docker/Podman), and artifact reproducibility. - Test management/reporting (e.g., TestRail/Jira) and metrics for release readiness. Work Environment - Onsite at San Diego HQ with frequent hands-on work at benches and labs; tight collaboration with avionics, autonomy, payload, manufacturing, and Flight Test. - Occasional local field/range support for pre-flight validation; some travel (<20%). - Fast-paced, iterative development with tight feedback loops; you’ll help harden reliability before software reaches Flight Test. - Ability to lift/move lab kits (~25 lbs) occasionally and follow lab/range safety procedures. ## 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 - Unlimited PTO - Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in December. - 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. - Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well. ITAR Compliance To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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. ## 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