Senior Software Quality Assurance Engineer, Tactical Applications

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 Labs is seeking a skilled and driven Senior Software QA Engineer to join our Tactical Applications team. This integral team develops operator-facing software, including our Ground Control Station (GCS) and companion tools across Windows, Linux, Android (including ATAK), and simulation platforms. This role will be the first line of deep testing for these mission-critical systems, shaping UX, catching defects early and ensuring reliability before software reaches Flight Test operations. You will combine rigorous, manual and exploratory testing with automation, at the UI and API layers. You'll also collaborate closely with the autonomy, platform and payload teams, while spending hands-on time with hardware benches, radios and operator field kits to validate real-world workflows.
The work involved with this role will have a direct impact on the reliability, safety, and usability of the tools that operators depend on in the field. If you thrive in real-world environments, enjoy breaking complex systems to make them better, and want to shape high-stakes applications before they reach Flight Test, this may be a good fit.

What You’Ll Do

• Manage QA efforts for Tactical Applications, including GCS (Qt), ATAK/Android apps, and Unity-based tools.
• Provide early feedback on defects, UX issues, and performance regressions.
• Define and execute test strategies including feature test plans, exploratory charters, regression suites, and release sign-off gates before test flights.
• Develop and maintain UI automation for:
• Validate end-to-end workflows across platforms such as telemetry, mapping, media, and command/control under conditions such as degraded comms, jitter or packet loss.
• Set up SITL and HITL test rigs, script scenario playback, and inject telemetry using MAVLink, STANAG 4586, and Cursor-on-Target.
• Triage bugs by reproducing and isolating them using logs, traces, and diagnostic tools like Wireshark or serial and UDP/TCP sniffers.
• Collaborate with developers to improve testability, shift quality left, and build golden datasets and fault injection hooks.
• Integrate tests into CI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins) with automated packaging validation for Windows (MSI, MSIX), Linux (AppImage, .deb, .rpm), and Android (APK, AAB).
• Contribute to reliability and security hardening with negative testing, fuzzing, permissions checks and secure-by-design reviews.
• Produce concise documentation including test plans, operator checklists, and automation guides.
• Assist in mentoring engineers on testing best practices.
• Follow all safety, security, lab, and manufacturing protocols
• Qt: Squish for Qt (QML, Qt Quick, complex controls).
• Android/ATAK: Espresso or UI Automator, Appium, and Gradle integration.
• Unity: Unity Test Framework (Edit and Play Modes), NUnit, and evaluate appropriate UI automation tools.

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of professional QA or SDET experience testing complex, user-facing applications
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Proven expertise in validating Qt-based applications, including QML and Qt Quick, on Windows and Linux environments
• Hands-on testing experience of Android apps, preferably with ATAK, or similar mission tools
• Proven automation experience using Squish for Qt, Espresso or UI Automator and Appium for Android, as well as Unity Test Framework or NUnit-based tools.
• Proficiency in managing network communications across TCP, UDP, WebSockets, serial protocols and telemetry, in environments with lossy or restricted link conditions
• Skilled in working within a Linux and Windows environment, leveraging command-line tools, and scripting languages such as Python, Bash and PowerShell, along with version control using Git.
• Demonstrated expertise in CI/CD automation using GitLab, GitHub Actions or Jenkins, including tasks such as installer creation and artifact pipeline management
• Strong skills in exploratory testing and defect isolation
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in dynamic environments

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise with Squish for Qt, including object maps, BDD/Gherkin, image or text recognition, and data-driven test design.
• Experience with Android and ATAK QA; including permissions, background services, geo and sensor mocks, lifecycle edge cases, and NDK integration.
• Unity QA experience; play mode automation, performance testing, profiling and tool evaluation for UI testing.
• Familiarity with geospatial tools and workflows in QGroundControl, Qt Location, Mapbox, or OpenStreetMap.
• Domain experience with protocols such as MAVLink 2, STANAG 4586, Cursor-on-Target, or Link 16.
• Proven ability with setting up or maintaining SITL/HITL rigs, radios, GNSS and sensor simulators, or basic electronics for lab bring-up.
• Deep knowledge of performance and reliability testing: stress, soak, latency, GPU or CPU profiling, and fuzzing for robust UIs.
• Familiarity with ROS 2, DDS, Docker or Podman-based test environments, and artifact reproducibility techniques.
• Direct experience with test management and reporting systems like TestRail or Jira.

 

Work Environment

 

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
• We welcome candidates who are open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• This role requires an on-site presence
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required]
• Willingness to travel up to 15% domestically for field operations, integration events, preflight validation and testing

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. 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, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine equipment as well as standard office equipment. 

Compensation

 US Salary Range: $132,000 - $178,000 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.