Staff AI Integration Engineer

Firestorm
Firestorm

Software Engineering, Data Science · Full-time

San Diego, CA, USA

USD 186k-215k / year + Equity

Posted on Nov 14, 2026
Apply now
Staff AI Integration Engineer
San Diego, CA
IT
In office
Full-time
Firestorm is looking for an AI Integration & Automation Staff Engineer who will lead the deployment and integration of Enterprise AI solutions across our corporate applications, databases, and business systems. You will focus on building autonomous agentic workloads that directly interface with core corporate resources to drive operational automation. In addition, you will blend advanced DevOps practices, custom API and database integration, and stringent network security to deliver scalable, secure AI-driven business capabilities.
What You Will Do:
  • Enterprise AI & Systems Integration: Architect and integrate Enterprise AI platforms directly into business systems, proprietary applications, databases, and core corporate resources to enable autonomous agentic workflows.
  • Secure Network Bridging & Middleware: Design, deploy, and automate middleware servers to securely bridge data flow between secure and non-secure networks across hybrid cloud and on-premise environments.
  • Data & Application Connectivity: Develop, automate, and maintain secure API integrations and database connections (SQL, NoSQL, vector databases) that allow AI agents to safely query, process, and act upon corporate data.
  • Infrastructure as Code & Automation: Automate the provisioning of integration layers, middleware, and network boundaries using tools like Terraform or Ansible to ensure reliable, repeatable, and secure connections.
  • DevOps & CI/CD Pipeline Management: Build and optimize pipelines specifically tailored for deploying AI models, automation scripts, and system integrations while enforcing shift-left security baselines.
  • Perform other duties as directed
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Mechatroncis/Robotics Engineering or any relevant degree. In lieu of degree, 10+ progressive years of experience in the related field.
  • 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 required due to ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status
  • 5+ years of experience in DevOps, systems integration, or automation engineering with a strong focus on enterprise application and database connectivity.
  • Secure Environments: Experience working in FedRAMP Moderate, FedRAMP High, and/or other highly secure environments.
  • AI Integration & Agentic Workloads: Hands-on experience integrating Enterprise AI platforms and designing agentic workloads that interact autonomously with corporate systems.
  • Secure Middleware & Networking: Experience bridging secure and non-secure networks (on-premise and cloud) using automated middleware servers, strict access controls, and network segmentation.
  • Development & Scripting: Experience in Python, Bash, or Go for building custom API integrations, middleware automation, and database query logic.
Operating Systems & Servers:
  • Hands-on administrative experience working with Linux (Ubuntu).
  • Experience working with Windows server environments in a hybrid capacity.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Business Systems Integration: Experience integrating or creating automations with HRIS, ERP, MES, and/or other business systems.
  • Advanced Data Engineering: Experience working with vector databases, ETL pipelines, or advanced corporate data warehousing to support AI context.
  • Containerization & Orchestration: Experience managing containerized environments and microservices architectures (Docker, Kubernetes) for isolated AI workload execution.
  • Advanced Networking: Advanced networking skills such as complex routing, VLAN segmentation, access controls, and working with 100G networking.
  • Modern Workspace Integration: Experience integrating AI and infrastructure automation with endpoint management platforms like NinjaOne or Microsoft Intune.
  • Government Cloud Platforms: Familiarity working within Microsoft GCC High or AWS GovCloud.
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that.
We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need.
We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.
Work Environment:
  • The position is working onsite at 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.
  • Ability to travel domestically up to 5%, if needed
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and 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 and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Compensation:
  • Salary Base: $186,000 - $215,000 salary, commensurate with experience
  • Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company
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
  • Equity grants for new hires
  • 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 July & 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.

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $186,000 – $215,000 per year.
Ready to apply?
Powered by
First name *
Last name *
Email *
LinkedIn URL
Phone number *
Location *
Resume *
Click to upload or drag and drop here
Cover letter
Click to upload or drag and drop here
Are you authorized to work in the United States? *
U.S. Work Authorization
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment authorization (for example, H-1B status)? *
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.
Do you hold an active security clearance? *
If you do not hold an active security clearance, are you able to obtain one? U.S. Citizenship is a requirement to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance. *
Voluntary Self-Identification
To comply with government reporting requirements, we invite candidates to participate in the self-identification survey below. Your completion of this form is entirely optional, and your decision will neither influence the hiring process nor any subsequent stages. Any information you choose to share will be kept confidential and stored in a secure file. As outlined in our Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we uphold a commitment to non-discrimination based on any protected group status specified in applicable laws.
Gender
Race
Race and ethnicity descriptions
Voluntary Self-Identification of Veteran Status
VEVRAA requires Government contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment protected veterans. To help us measure the effectiveness of our outreach and recruitment efforts of veterans, we are asking you to tell us if you are a veteran covered by VEVRAA. If you believe that you belong to any of the following categories of protected veterans, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.
Veteran status descriptions
Disabled veteran
A veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military and is entitled to disability compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to disability compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability
Recently separated veteran
A veteran separated during the three-year period beginning on the date of the veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S military, ground, naval, or air service
Active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran
A veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense
Armed Forces service medal veteran
A veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military ground, naval, or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 Fed. Reg. 1209).
Veteran status
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Status
Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Page 1 of 1
Expires 04/30/2026
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.
Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.
Disability descriptions
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Disability status
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
By applying you agree to Gem's terms and privacy policy.
Save your info to apply to other roles faster & help employers reach you.
Req ID: R407
Apply now
See more open positions at Firestorm