Senior Software Engineer, Network And Communications

Ideal employee is a C++ software engineer with 5+ years of experience and extensive expertise in modern C++, RF systems and familiarity with Linux system development and administration.

US citizen or permanent resident eligible for US security clearance to work with export-controlled data

Join us at Firestorm as our Senior Software Engineer, Network and Communications. You'll be at the forefront of developing and implementing advanced software solutions that directly interact with tactical and military communication systems, including radio and satellite systems. Your expertise will be crucial in designing and enhancing the communication capabilities of our mission-adaptable aerial vehicles, ensuring they operate efficiently in diverse and challenging environments. Utilize your skills in software engineering and communication technologies, coupled with practical experience in networking, RF engineering, and system integration. You'll impact all aspects of our core products.

Firestorm grew as a company out of the simple question: how does a US ally country with a respectively low defense budget deter an aggressor state entity with a vastly larger war chest? We're building the very answer to that question, something we call "democratized deterrence." Firestorm is a VC-backed, defense-meets-Silicon Valley technology company developing mission-adaptable aerial vehicles to put the power back into the hands of the operator. We aim to upend the current defense procurement cost paradigm by bringing world-class capabilities to bear at meaningfully lower costs.

About you:

• You are an experienced C++ developer building complex software platforms interfacing with RF and computer networks

• You have experience with architecture and modality

• You are committed to quality and have a passion for exceeding customer expectations

• You are proficient with Linux and Object-Oriented Programming

• You are a team player and a joy to work with

Responsibilities:

• Develop software solutions for interfacing with tactical and military radios, communication modules, and satellite systems. This includes developing low-level system software as well as high-level C2 interfaces

• Implement, configure, and optimize datalinks by adhering to Interface Control Documents (ICDs) or employing reverse engineering techniques when necessary

• Develop scalable Linux-based applications and services that integrate seamlessly with radio, satellite, and overall communication modules. Focus on building robust services that can handle high throughput and maintain data integrity under diverse operational conditions

• Create or enhance APIs that allow for easy integration and modularity. Work within distributed microservice architectures to ensure these APIs can be easily adopted internally and by 3rd-party developers

• Play a pivotal role in the integration and optimization of radio systems and antenna configurations to maximize communication effectiveness and range

• Ensure the robustness and scalability of communication interfaces and services, focusing on both Firestorm's airborne systems, as well as ground-based C3 setups

• Explore and leverage the capabilities of systems that can sustain the rigors of diverse RF environments and maintain reliable links under dynamic conditions

• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive communication test plans and scenarios for developed software to verify stability, compliance with technical specifications, and customer requirements. Focus on creating reproducible test environments that mimic operational scenarios

• Collaborate closely with system engineers, hardware teams, and project managers to ensure seamless integration and alignment with overall project objectives. This involves regular communication and coordination meetings, as well as the use of collaborative tools

• Mentor junior software engineers and share your extensive knowledge to elevate team capabilities and foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation

• Keep abreast of the latest developments in tactical network and communications technology. Assess new technologies and their applicability to ongoing or future projects to continuously enhance system capabilities and introduce

Required Qualifications:

• US citizen or permanent resident eligible for US security clearance to work with export-controlled data

• MS Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related discipline from a DoE accredited university

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a C++ software engineer, with extensive expertise in modern C++, RF systems and familiarity with Linux system development and administration

• Demonstrated ability in developing complex software platforms that involve computer networks configuration and hardware interfaces

• Solid understanding of software architecture principles, including modular and plugin architectures tied to distributed microservices

• In-depth knowledge of computer networks protocols (TCP, UDP, MQTT, REST APIs, HTTPS, WebSockets) and networking concepts (routing, switching, and firewall configurations)

• Background in RF engineering and its principles, antenna design, signal processing, and the practical application of these in communication systems

• Experience with wireless communication standards and protocols (LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee), including their configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting

• Located in the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in interpreting Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and implementing software interfaces based on these specifications for integration with external systems and devices

• Hands-on experience in API and/or SDK development, as well as application and service development in Linux environments

• Knowledge of the MAVLink protocol and experience on using and implementing it in drone/ground control station networks

• Demonstrated experience with satellite communication systems and the specific protocols and technologies involved in satellite data transmission and reception

• Advanced knowledge in the development of real-time systems and time-sensitive networking (TSN) for critical communications and control systems

• Expertise in RF modulation and demodulation techniques

• Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and protocols

• Strong understanding of mesh network protocols, like 6LoWPAN, OLSR or

• B.A.T.M.A.N

• Understanding of complex system integration involving multiple communication standards and heterogeneous networks

• Experience working in an agile development environment, with a strong emphasis on CI/CD and DevOps practices

• Practical knowledge of advanced antenna systems, including phased arrays and MIMO systems

• Eligible to obtain and maintain a high-level US Government security clearance

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling you to tackle complex challenges

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

• Works independently and drive projects to completion, demonstrating initiative and leadership in managing tasks without direct supervision

• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement in defense technology

• High adaptability to rapidly changing technologies and operational demands

• Commitment to quality and meticulous attention to detail

• Strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines and project milestones

• Proactive in learning and applying new technologies and methodologies

Bonus Points:

• Prior involvement in projects that require compliance with military or defense industry standards and regulations, especially those related to secure and reliable communications

• Experience with Embedded C and/or Rust programming languages

• Ability to design and implement network security measures, understanding of encryption protocols, and cybersecurity best practices to protect systems and data

• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, especially in managing and deploying microservices in a network-heavy environment

• Proficiency using network simulation tools (like NS3, GNS3) and RF tools (such as MATLAB, HFSS) for testing and validation of communication systems

• Experience with hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL for FPGA-based implementations related to networking and RF applications

• In-depth understanding of advanced networking protocols and standards such as MPLS, SD-WAN, or BGP

• History of contributing to open-source projects or communities relevant to network engineering, RF technologies, or embedded systems

• DoD-related product development program experience

Other Requirements:

• Does not require visa sponsorship from Firestorm

• Ability to understand and adhere to local labor laws and Firestorm employment policies

Pay up to: $180,000 based on candidate's job qualifications. Eligible for company equity.

Direct candidates only. No agencies accepted.

We are Equal Opportunity Employer

Firestorm's culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust empowering us to do our best work.

Proud to be in Connect's "Class of 2024 Cool Companies"

www.launchfirestorm.com

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