Project Engineer, Weapons

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

1d•$90,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm is building next-generation, deployable combat systems and we’re looking for a Project Engineer, to join our Munitions Group. In this role, you’ll support the design, integration, test, and certification of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors on our tactical sUAS platforms, ensuring safe, effective, and compliant weapons employment from concept through field deployment. This role will tackle the full weapons integration lifecycle both technical and programmatic. One day may fly by on new concept development and design, while the next may be test support on the range evaluating effect on target. From safe/arm and release systems, to interface documentation and preliminary design reviews – you’ll be a driver behind developing not just theoretical capabilities, but fielding mission-ready payloads that operators will carry into live environments. You’ll work at the intersection of warfighter intent and technical execution, balancing rigor with agility, and compliance with tactical need. From loitering munitions to emerging payloads, you’ll help shape a flexible and scalable effects architecture that brings precision to the squad level and beyond. This career is for engineers who think like tacticians, sweat the details, and thrive in a fast-moving, multi-disciplinary environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field — or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience, including at least 2 years directly supporting weapons or munitions integration.
Direct experience with integration or employment of air-delivered munitions, weapons release systems, or loitering munitions, preferably on Group 1–4 UAS or manned platforms.
Strong experience in organization and documenting test events (plans and post reports), especially including the use of explosive materials
Familiarity with range safety procedures, explosive hazard classifications, and test range coordination.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interface with other departments and represent the organization as a prime technical contact.
Demonstrated experience with CAD-based mechanical design and subsequent prototyping of engineering components via sub-contract manufacturing.
Customer-focused mindset with the ability to formulate and implement plans to resolve technical engineering problems.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Specific experience with munitions or similar explosive based test events.
Working knowledge of MIL-STD-1316, safing/fuzing mechanisms, weapons release hardware, and applicable DoD safety/certification protocols.
Experience with Stores Management Systems, aircraft-carried weapons, or weapons datalink integration.
Familiarity with Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), STANAG 4586, and related interoperability standards.
Hands-on field experience conducting flight or ground testing of UAS platforms.
Experience working with military range authorities and writing Explosive Safety Submissions (ESS).
Familiarity with test instrumentation, telemetry, and post-test data analysis.
Experience working with DoD customers or within the defense acquisition environment.
Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, or similar project tracking tools.
Field experience with UAS testing and validation.
PMP certification.
Active DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

Serve as project engineer for munition-related efforts, including integration, testing, and certification of kinetic and non-kinetic payloads on sUAS platforms.
Develop and support system- and subsystem-level requirements for munitions, release systems, and stores management, with an emphasis on modularity and scalability.
Contribute to system architecture design and analysis; troubleshoot conflicting design or integration requirements across payload, airframe, and control systems.
Spearhead the physical and electrical integration of weapons, including mounting solutions, safety mechanisms, and interface control documentation (ICDs).
Plan and execute test campaigns across lab, ground, and flight environments—supporting test readiness reviews, live-fire events, and post-test data analysis.
Support the compliance lead ensuring all munition systems comply with DoD safety, airworthiness, and export regulations (e.g., MIL-STD, AFMAN, ITAR).
Develop and present technical material at internal and external design reviews, customer meetings, and certification milestones.
Coordinate with external partners on warhead design, guidance packages, fuzing systems, and energetic materials.
Lead or support the development of Explosive Safety Submissions (ESS), range safety documentation, and coordination with range authorities.
Provide technical direction to internal design, integration, and test teams throughout the development lifecycle.
Collaborate closely with program managers to align technical execution with program objectives, schedules, and constraints.
Interface with customers, government stakeholders, and vendors to ensure delivery of operationally relevant and technically sound weapon systems.
Support proposal efforts, white papers, and early-phase concept development for future munitions capabilities.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
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.