Junior Robotics Engineer
Firestorm
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 87k-139k / year + Equity
Posted on Nov 5, 2025
Junior Robotics Engineer
San Diego, CA
Engineering
In office
Full-time
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
About the Role
Firestorm is seeking a skilled Robotics Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in building autonomy and mission systems for next-generation defense platforms. As a Junior Robotics Engineer, you will support software development, testing, and integration for autonomous systems operating in real environments. You’ll help bring autonomy from simulation to field readiness by working across perception, controls, and system integration. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and offers significant growth and ownership while working alongside experienced engineers.
What You’ll Do
- Support development of autonomy and mission-system software components
- Develop, implement, and optimize algorithms for real-time perception, localization, and path planning
- Implement vision-based target-tracking strategies
- Design and integrate interfaces for terminal guidance systems
- Build and execute simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing workflows
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment and integration of robotics solutions.
- Develop data collection pipelines to aid our perception stack, monitoring system performance of onboard autonomy, and provide insights for continuous improvement.
- Contribute to development and improvement of autonomy simulation environments
- Integrate sensors, compute hardware, and communication systems into development and test environments
- Collect, process, and analyze sensor and flight-test data to drive system improvements
- Create tools, automation, and test scripts to accelerate development and validation
- Work hands-on with real-time embedded systems and autonomy stacks
- Debug and troubleshoot performance issues across software and hardware
- Support flight tests and field events, including test planning, execution, and data review
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- 1+ years of professional experience in a robotics engineering role
- Familiarity with robotics fundamentals including perception, controls, or autonomy concepts
- Knowledge of Python and C++
- Exposure to ROS/ROS2, simulation frameworks (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac, PX4), or real-time systems
- Ability to work hands-on with hardware, sensors, and embedded platforms
- Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) and able to work on-site in San Diego.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Direct application with C++/C, Python, and MATLAB/Octave
- Experience with drones, autonomous vehicles, embedded systems, or aerospace platforms
- Hands-on lab, flight-test, or field robotics experience (RC aircraft, UAS, fixed-wing preferred)
- Exposure to Git-based workflows, CI/CD, and automated testing
- Familiarity with PX4 or ArduPilot (ArduPlane) and ROS
- Experience architecting and implementing modular decision trees and behavior nodes to support advanced autonomous behaviors in ariel vehicles
- Familiarity with Docker and containerized development workflows
- Knowledge of perception, localization, and guidance algorithms
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
- This role requires an on-site presence
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required]
- Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations
- Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed
Compensation
US Salary Range: $87,000 - $139,000 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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.
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Are you any of the following “protected individual(s)” as defined in the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)? *
EXPORT CONTROLS - This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Your responses to the questions below will be used solely to determine your eligibility under U.S. law to receive information and materials subject to U.S. export controls.
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Clearance Eligibility - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
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Req ID: R104