Principal Chief Engineer & System Architect

About the Role

Build and lead a cross-product integration, test, and verification capability for complex hardware/software/UAS systems. Own the integration and verification approach, test architecture, evidence quality, and escalation of unresolved defects. Work with Chief Engineers, who remain accountable for product technical integrity and readiness recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

Integration and Verification Strategy:

• Lead risk-based system integration, verification, and validation planning across 2–3 active product lines.
• Translate system requirements, critical interfaces, failure modes, and operational scenarios into executable test coverage and acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate integration sequencing, test readiness, qualification evidence, and verification traceability with Chief Engineers and functional teams.

Test Engineering and Infrastructure:

• Build or strengthen SIL/HIL, automated regression, bench/lab integration, instrumentation, data capture, and representative field/flight-test practices as appropriate.
• Establish repeatable test procedures, defect tracking, reproducibility standards, and configuration control for test articles and environments.
• Lead test engineering personnel and coordinate distributed functional test contributors without duplicating all existing testing teams.

Reliability and Independent Evidence:

• Report objective verification results, open anomalies, residual risks, and coverage gaps; escalate unresolved concerns independently of schedule pressure.
• Drive failure analysis, root-cause investigation, corrective-action verification, and prevention of recurring integration escapes.
• Develop metrics for late-found defects, verification coverage, regression effectiveness, test reliability, and time to close critical anomalies.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years in integration, test engineering, verification/validation, or systems test for complex hardware/software products.
• Experience leading test engineers or multidisciplinary integration/test teams and building test capability.
• Demonstrated ownership of test strategy and evidence for integrated systems through field or operational deployment.
• Practical knowledge of HIL/SIL, instrumentation, automation, test design, requirements traceability, defect management, and root-cause analysis.
• Ability to provide objective technical findings and escalate verification gaps constructively to engineering leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• UAS, aerospace, autonomy, embedded systems, defense, or robotics verification experience.
• Experience with ground/flight testing, qualification, safety-critical interfaces, and operationally representative environments.
• Experience building test infrastructure at a startup.
• Familiarity with FMEA, fault trees, environmental/EMI qualification, and manufacturing acceptance testing.

What Success Looks Like

• 30 days: map test assets, coverage gaps, recurring failures, and critical integration dependencies.
• 90 days: risk-based verification plan for each product and an agreed test readiness/evidence standard.
• 6 months: more repeatable integration tests, measurable coverage of critical interfaces, and faster defect diagnosis.
• 12 months: fewer late-stage defects and recurring failures; objective, auditable readiness evidence for major milestones.

Work Environment

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
• This role requires an on-site presence
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.

Compensation US Salary Range: $212,000 - $247,000 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
• 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

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 $212,000 – $247,000 per year.