Staff Platform Security Engineer
Posted Updated
Summary
Hands-on Staff Platform Security Engineer at Firestorm, a defense manufacturer of autonomous aircraft and deployable microfactories in San Diego. You build and harden security for Crucible — the software running its manufacturing network — across cloud, Kubernetes, edge, and air-gapped environments, including identity, supply-chain security, and ATO accreditation support.
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.
About the Role
Firestorm builds uncrewed aircraft and the manufacturing network that produces them: full-capability plants, deployable xCell edge factories, and forward-deployed sites that stand up production near the point of need.
Crucible is the software that runs that manufacturing network. It operates across cloud, factory, edge, and air-gapped environments, creating security problems that have to be solved in the product and infrastructure itself.
We are hiring a Staff Platform Security Engineer to build and improve the security systems behind Crucible and Firestorm's software infrastructure. You will work directly with software and infrastructure engineers to implement platform security, harden deployments, automate controls, and drive the technical work required to support deployment into accredited environments.
This is a hands-on engineering role. You will write code, build infrastructure, review system designs, and work directly with teams to fix security problems rather than only defining requirements or policy.
What You’ll Do
- Drive platform security execution — Own security improvements from design through implementation across Crucible, cloud infrastructure, and edge deployments.
- Build security into the platform — Implement authentication, authorization, secrets, data protection, and system boundaries in product and infrastructure code.
- Secure cloud and edge deployments — Harden Kubernetes, cloud infrastructure, Linux systems, and air-gapped environments.
- Own identity and trust — Build approaches for user, service, workload, and device identity across connected and disconnected deployments.
- Secure the software supply chain — Improve dependency security, artifact integrity, signing, provenance, and deployment controls.
- Find and fix security weaknesses — Threat model systems, review designs and code, identify vulnerabilities, and drive remediation.
- Automate security controls — Build security checks and tooling into CI/CD, infrastructure, and development workflows.
- Support accreditation — Translate security requirements into implemented controls, technical evidence, and system designs that support ATO and customer security requirements.
Required Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
- 8+ years of security engineering, platform security, product security, or cloud security experience; with a proven track record of success
- Strong software engineering skills and experience contributing directly to production code
- Strong Linux, networking, and cloud security fundamentals
- Deep experience securing Kubernetes, containers, and cloud infrastructure
- Strong experience with identity and access management, authentication, authorization, secrets management, and PKI
- Experience with application and platform threat modeling, security architecture, and vulnerability remediation
- Experience building security automation into CI/CD, infrastructure, and deployment workflows
- Experience with software supply chain security, including dependency management, artifact integrity, signing, or provenance
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement security solutions across application, infrastructure, and deployment boundaries
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience securing air-gapped, edge, or intermittently connected systems
- Experience with NIST 800-53, RMF, ATO, or similar accreditation processes
- Experience with AWS GovCloud or other regulated cloud environments
- Aerospace, defense, robotics, or other regulated-industry experience
Work Environment
- This role is based 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: $175,000 – $195,000 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 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.
