Biofire Technologies is a Colorado-based defense tech and consumer electronics startup on a mission to reduce preventable gun injuries and deaths, especially among children and teens. Founded in 2016, the company has developed the world's first biometric smart gun. The 9mm Biofire Smart Gun utilizes proprietary Guardian Biometric Engine technology, which integrates fingerprint and 3D facial recognition systems to ensure that the firearm instantly unlocks only for authorized users when picked up. The company has raised approximately $31 million in total funding, including a recent $7 million Series A extension in early 2024, backed by prominent investors like Founders Fund.
At Biofire, the culture is deeply rooted in a shared commitment to keeping families safe without compromising on home defense capabilities. The team comprises gun owners, engineers, and parents who bring diverse experiences from top-tier organizations like NASA, Palantir, Google, and the U.S. Military. Employees pride themselves on an inclusive environment that values authenticity, rapid iteration, and honest feedback in all directions. Working here means solving complex hardware and software challenges alongside highly intelligent peers who are passionate about making a tangible impact on society.
Depending on your role, a typical day at Biofire involves tackling unique engineering and manufacturing challenges at the intersection of biometrics, electronics, and mechanical design. Engineers and industrial designers work on refining the Smart Gun's components, from optimizing the lightning-fast biometrics to ensuring robust performance in high-stress scenarios. Manufacturing professionals focus on scaling production and supply chain logistics to meet consumer demand. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, requiring a high degree of cross-functional collaboration between hardware, software, and operations teams at their Broomfield headquarters.
Biofire offers competitive compensation packages that include base salaries and company equity. Based on recent job postings, Supply Chain Managers can expect around $140K–$160K, while engineering roles like Staff Manufacturing Engineer range from $155K–$185K. Senior Software Engineers (Mobile Apps) have seen ranges of $170K–$190K. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package featuring fully covered medical, dental, vision, and life insurance with $0 payroll deduction. Additional perks include a 401(k), generous paid time off, 11 company holidays, parental leave, and relocation assistance.
While specific interview rounds are not widely publicized, candidates can expect a rigorous process typical of deep tech startups. The evaluation likely includes initial behavioral screens to assess alignment with Biofire's mission and culture, followed by technical assessments tailored to the specific role. For engineering positions, this may involve practical problem-solving sessions, system design discussions, or hardware portfolio reviews. The team values transparent communication and a demonstrated ability to navigate complex, ambiguous technical challenges.
Joining Biofire offers the rare opportunity to work on a groundbreaking product that directly addresses a critical societal issue—gun safety. It is an ideal environment for mission-driven individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, innovative setting and want to see their work have a real-world impact. However, the hardware startup environment can be demanding and unpredictable, requiring resilience and adaptability. Additionally, navigating the complex regulatory and cultural landscape surrounding firearms in the U.S. may not be appealing to everyone. If you are passionate about leveraging advanced technology for safety and are prepared for the rigors of bringing a novel hardware product to market, Biofire is a compelling choice.
Founded
2016
Employees
51-200
Valuation
$31M total funding
Work Model
Hybrid
Unknown