Senior Electrical Engineer at Firestorm in San Diego, CA

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 Senior Electrical Engineer to join our growing hardware team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for executing complex printed circuit board (PCB) designs across our product lines, with a strong focus on performance, manufacturability, and reliability. You’ll drive layout standards, mentor others on best practices, and collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams. This is a highly technical, hands-on position where your deep expertise in high-speed layout, signal integrity, and PCB manufacturing will have a direct impact on Firestorm’s hardware success.

What You’ll Do

• Execute full PCB design cycles: placement, constraints management, routing, design reviews, and release
• Perform advanced floor planning, signal routing, and power distribution for high-complexity boards
• Design multilayer, HDI, flex, and rigid-flex PCBs for space-, weight-, and thermally constrained applications
• Define and manage PCB stack-ups, impedance targets, and signal integrity constraints
• Apply best practices in layout for DFM & DFA
• Execute full PCB design cycles: placement, constraints management, routing, design reviews, and release
• Generate comprehensive engineering documentation, including ECOs, fabrication drawings, BOMs, and release packages
• Partner with PCB fabrication vendors to validate impedance models and stack-up choices for high-volume manufacturability
• Design and maintain cable harness documentation using Altium Harness Designer
• Conduct root cause analysis of PCB design or layout issues, identify corrective actions, and implement solutions to improve performance, manufacturability, or reliability
• Manage multiple PCB layout projects simultaneously by effectively prioritizing tasks, planning, and working independently to meet schedule and quality targets
• Track project timelines and milestones, proactively adjust priorities, and ensure timely delivery while maintaining high-quality standards
• Work cross-functionally with electrical, mechanical, test, and manufacturing teams
• Maintain and evolve Firestorm’s internal layout standards, checklists, and workflows
• Present layout reviews and document design trade-offs and decisions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering capacity
• Minimum 2+ years of PCB layout and design experience
• Strong proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro/OrCAD)
• Deep understanding of PCB stack-ups, impedance control, and high-speed routing techniques
• Experience with multilayer boards including HDI, blind/buried vias, and back-drilling
• Solid knowledge of rigid, flex, and rigid-flex design and manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with signal integrity and transmission line concepts (e.g., phase matching, crosstalk, insertion/return loss, termination, and BGA breakout strategies)
• Ability to manage complex designs from concept to release, including thorough documentation
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills across disciplines
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• U.S. Person status (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required due to ITAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of constraints-driven PCB design methodology
• Proficiency in layout and schematic capture tools such as Altium, Cadence Allegro/OrCAD, Mentor Expedition, or Concept
• Familiarity with signal integrity simulation and analysis tools
• Background in impedance-controlled stack-up design, HDI construction, and manufacturing constraints
• Solid understanding of PCB fabrication processes, including blind/buried vias and back-drilling
• Experience drafting mechanical drawings in AutoCAD or similar tools
• Strong documentation skills
• Excellent communication, organization, and multi-tasking skills in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment

• Based at our 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.

Compensation

US Salary Range: $135,000 - $172,000 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
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in December
• Generous Parental Leave
• FSA
• 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.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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.

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.