Staff Electrical Engineer - Weapons

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

9d•$170,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join its Munitions Group and own the electrical design, integration, testing, and certification of Electronic Safe-and-Arm Devices (ESAD) and Electronic Safe-Arm-and-Fire (ESAF) systems across tactical sUAS platforms. The role covers firing electronics, energy storage and management, environmental sensing, and arming logic, ensuring effectors remain inert until intentionally armed and function reliably on command while meeting applicable safety and compliance requirements from concept through field deployment. The engineer will be the technical owner for turning safety requirements into mission-ready hardware. Work may include schematic capture and PCB layout, laboratory characterization of arm/fire sequences, range support and effect-on-target evaluation, interface control documentation, design reviews, and Fuze Safety Review Board qualification. The role requires close coordination with embedded software, mechanical, payload, program management, and external partners, balancing rigorous safety and compliance requirements with operational needs. The position is based at Firestorm’s headquarters in San Diego, California, with travel of up to 20% CONUS and OCONUS. PPE is provided, and adherence to safety protocols and environmental controls is mandatory. The role requires the ability to lift 30 pounds. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance are required. The listed U.S. salary range is $170,000–$200,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field, or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
At least 7 years of electrical engineering experience, including at least 3 years directly supporting safe-and-arm, fuzing, or munitions firing electronics.
Hands-on experience designing firing-set or initiation electronics, including energy storage and management, charge/fire circuitry, and electric initiator interfaces.
Working knowledge of fuze and weapon safety design criteria, including MIL-STD-1316 and related safe-and-arm standards.
Familiarity with environmental, EMI/EMC, and HERO considerations for ordnance electronics.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interface effectively with other departments and represent the organization as a prime technical contact.
Customer-focused approach and ability to formulate and implement plans to resolve technical engineering problems.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience designing ESAD/ESAF systems for guided munitions, loitering munitions, or air-delivered weapons.
Experience taking a safe-and-arm device through Fuze Safety Review Board (FSRB) qualification.
Hands-on experience with electric initiation systems such as exploding bridgewire (EBW), exploding foil initiators (EFI), or hot-wire devices.
Working knowledge of MIL-STD-1901, MIL-STD-1911, STANAG 4187, and related fuze safety and interoperability standards.
Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools, mixed-signal design, and electrical bring-up and debugging of prototype hardware.
Experience collaborating closely with embedded software or firmware teams on arming logic and built-in test.
Familiarity with Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) and store/payload interface standards.
Experience working with DoD customers or within the defense acquisition environment.
Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, or similar project tracking tools.
Hands-on field experience supporting ground or flight tests of UAS platforms or weapon systems.
Experience working with military range authorities and supporting Explosive Safety Submissions (ESS).
Active DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical owner for ESAD/ESAF integration across munition payloads, leading electrical design, integration, testing, and certification on sUAS platforms.
Design firing-set electronics, including energy storage and management, charge/fire circuitry, and interfaces for electric initiators.
Architect arming and safety logic, including independent environmental sensing and arming features, to meet fuze design safety criteria and prevent inadvertent function.
Develop schematic capture, PCB layout, and mixed-signal designs, addressing signal integrity, power integrity, and reliability across the operating envelope.
Define and document electrical interfaces between the ESAD/ESAF, flight controller, payload bus, and host platform using Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
Lead environmental, EMI/EMC, and HERO analysis and testing for safe operation in deployed electromagnetic environments.
Plan and execute bench, environmental, ground, and flight test campaigns; support test readiness reviews, arm/fire sequence characterization, and post-test data analysis.
Ensure safe-and-arm designs comply with applicable DoD fuze safety standards and airworthiness and export regulations.
Lead or support Fuze Safety Review Board (FSRB) qualification, including safety assessments, hazard analyses, and qualification test documentation.
Develop and present technical material at internal and external design reviews, customer meetings, and certification milestones.
Coordinate with embedded software, mechanical, and payload teams and external partners in initiation systems, fuzing, and energetic materials to close the full effector chain.
Collaborate with program managers to align technical execution with program objectives, schedules, and constraints.
Support proposals, white papers, and early-phase concept development for future safe-and-arm and fuzing capabilities.

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, and HSA.
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Basic life/AD&D and short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm; additional life insurance is available for purchase.
Free mental health resources available 24/7, including therapy.
Free legal and financial work-life support services.
Opportunities for career growth.