Senior Software Integration Engineer (Payloads & Integrations)

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

4d•$140,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm is seeking a Senior Software Integration Engineer to join its Payloads & Integrations team and accelerate the integration of new mission payloads and capabilities into its autonomous systems. The role works at the intersection of software, hardware, and mission systems, developing interfaces, tooling, and integrations to deploy payload capabilities. This includes integrating cameras, radios, sensors, and other mission equipment through SDKs, APIs, and custom software workflows. The engineer will develop and validate payload integrations through an out-of-cycle, branched development process, working closely with the core software organization that owns the mainline software stack. The role also collaborates with that organization to upstream production-ready capabilities into future releases. This is a hands-on individual contributor position involving rapid work across software layers, complex system debugging, and ambiguous integration challenges. The position is based at Firestorm’s headquarters in San Diego, California. Local candidates and candidates open to relocating are welcome; relocation assistance may be included in the offer where appropriate. The role involves approximately 10% occasional domestic travel for field testing, payload integration, demonstrations, and operational support. The U.S. salary range is $140,000–$155,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations.
At least 5 years of professional software engineering experience.
Strong programming ability in one or more modern languages, such as C++, Python, Rust, Go, Java, or TypeScript.
Demonstrated history of holding oneself and teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort.
Strong software engineering fundamentals and experience across multiple layers of the stack.
Strong Linux experience, including command-line workflows, debugging, and system administration tasks.
Experience with networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, and network troubleshooting.
Experience integrating software with external systems through APIs, SDKs, or communication protocols.
Ability to quickly understand and modify large existing codebases.
Experience developing reliable production software in fast-moving environments.
Experience with Git, including branching and upstream contributions.

Nice To Haves

Background that includes both startup and scale-stage product engineering.
Experience with autonomous systems, UAVs, robotics, or defense technology.
Experience with QGroundControl, MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, or similar platforms.
Experience with TAK ecosystems or tactical mission applications.
Experience integrating cameras, gimbals, radios, or other payload hardware.
Experience with embedded systems or edge computing environments.
Experience with Docker and containerized deployments.
Experience contributing changes back into shared production software repositories.
Experience supporting field deployments and troubleshooting operational systems.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain software interfaces between payload hardware, mission applications, and autonomy systems.
Integrate SDKs and APIs for cameras, gimbals, radios, sensors, and other mission equipment.
Develop tools and applications for payload configuration, monitoring, and control.
Customize or extend mission applications such as QGroundControl, TAK-based applications, and related operator interfaces.
Debug complex systems spanning Linux, networking, hardware interfaces, and distributed software components.
Build Docker-based deployment workflows for fielded software capabilities.
Work within a side-branch development process and collaborate with the core software team to upstream production-ready changes.
Participate in field testing, demonstrations, and integration activities.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
Generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November and December.
Generous parental leave.
Lifestyle Spending Account.
FSA.
DCFSA.
HSA.
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Basic life/AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm; option to purchase additional life insurance for the employee and family.
Free mental health resources available 24/7, including therapy.
Free legal and financial support and other work-life services.
Relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Opportunities for career growth.