Staff AI Integration Engineer

Firestorm is looking for an AI Integration & Automation Staff Engineer who will lead the deployment and integration of Enterprise AI solutions across our corporate applications, databases, and business systems. You will focus on building autonomous agentic workloads that directly interface with core corporate resources to drive operational automation. In addition, you will blend advanced DevOps practices, custom API and database integration, and stringent network security to deliver scalable, secure AI-driven business capabilities.

What You Will Do:

• Enterprise AI & Systems Integration: Architect and integrate Enterprise AI platforms directly into business systems, proprietary applications, databases, and core corporate resources to enable autonomous agentic workflows.
• Secure Network Bridging & Middleware: Design, deploy, and automate middleware servers to securely bridge data flow between secure and non-secure networks across hybrid cloud and on-premise environments.
• Data & Application Connectivity: Develop, automate, and maintain secure API integrations and database connections (SQL, NoSQL, vector databases) that allow AI agents to safely query, process, and act upon corporate data.
• Infrastructure as Code & Automation: Automate the provisioning of integration layers, middleware, and network boundaries using tools like Terraform or Ansible to ensure reliable, repeatable, and secure connections.
• DevOps & CI/CD Pipeline Management: Build and optimize pipelines specifically tailored for deploying AI models, automation scripts, and system integrations while enforcing shift-left security baselines.
• Perform other duties as directed

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Mechatroncis/Robotics Engineering or any relevant degree. In lieu of degree, 10+ progressive years of experience in the related field.
• 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 required due to ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status
• 5+ years of experience in DevOps, systems integration, or automation engineering with a strong focus on enterprise application and database connectivity.
• Secure Environments: Experience working in FedRAMP Moderate, FedRAMP High, and/or other highly secure environments.
• AI Integration & Agentic Workloads: Hands-on experience integrating Enterprise AI platforms and designing agentic workloads that interact autonomously with corporate systems.
• Secure Middleware & Networking: Experience bridging secure and non-secure networks (on-premise and cloud) using automated middleware servers, strict access controls, and network segmentation.
• Development & Scripting: Experience in Python, Bash, or Go for building custom API integrations, middleware automation, and database query logic.

Operating Systems & Servers:

• Hands-on administrative experience working with Linux (Ubuntu).
• Experience working with Windows server environments in a hybrid capacity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Business Systems Integration: Experience integrating or creating automations with HRIS, ERP, MES, and/or other business systems.
• Advanced Data Engineering: Experience working with vector databases, ETL pipelines, or advanced corporate data warehousing to support AI context.
• Containerization & Orchestration: Experience managing containerized environments and microservices architectures (Docker, Kubernetes) for isolated AI workload execution.
• Advanced Networking: Advanced networking skills such as complex routing, VLAN segmentation, access controls, and working with 100G networking.
• Modern Workspace Integration: Experience integrating AI and infrastructure automation with endpoint management platforms like NinjaOne or Microsoft Intune.
• Government Cloud Platforms: Familiarity working within Microsoft GCC High or AWS GovCloud.

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that.

We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.

Work Environment:

• The position is working onsite at Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 5%, if needed

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Compensation:

• Salary Base: $186,000 - $215,000 salary, commensurate with experience
• Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

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
• Equity grants for new hires
• 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 July & 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 [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.

Compensation The base pay range for this role is $186,000 – $215,000 per year.