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Zone 5 Technologies

Chief Engineer

Salary$180k – $230k
LocationHQ (Buckley), San Luis Obispo, California
Typefull-time
SeniorityC-Suite
Experience12+ yrs
DepartmentEngineering
Company size501–1,000 people
First seenOct 5, 2026 · 6d ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have15
12+ years of experience in unmanned aircraft systems development
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
5+ years in technical leadership roles with direct responsibility for system-level design
Proven track record of delivering unmanned aircraft programs from concept to production
Deep understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control systems
Active or ability to obtain security clearance
Strong communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with systems thinking mindset
Expert-level proficiency in flight control software architecture and real-time embedded systems
Expert-level proficiency with on board Avionics, Navigation, Communications
Experience with path planning algorithms, and mission management software
Strong background in software-hardware integration for avionics and flight systems
Proficiency in model-based design, simulation, and software verification/validation
Knowledge of DO-178C or equivalent safety-critical software standards
Nice to have12
Master's or PhD preferred
Experience with mechanical/electrical systems integration including actuators, power systems, and thermal management
Strong background in design for manufacturability and producibility
Proficiency in systems engineering tools and hardware verification methodologies
Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and qualification testing
Experience with single use munitions, attritable systems
Knowledge of datalinks, RF communications, and network-centric operations
Experience with digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
Experience with swarm coordination, collaborative autonomy, or multi-agent systems
Knowledge of modular design approaches and open systems architecture
Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and military airworthiness certification
Understanding of counter-UAS systems and electronic warfare
Eligibility2
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility
Skills
flight control software architecture
real-time embedded systems
Avionics
Navigation
Communications
path planning algorithms
mission management software
model-based design
simulation
software verification/validation
DO-178C
mechanical/electrical systems integration
actuators
power systems
thermal management
systems engineering tools
hardware verification methodologies
aerospace materials
datalinks
RF communications
digital engineering
MBSE
swarm coordination
collaborative autonomy
multi-agent systems
modular design
open systems architecture
counter-UAS systems
electronic warfare
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
401(k)
Paid time off
Sick time
Company holidays
About the company
At Zone 5 Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We’re building the future of UAS capabilities, and we’re looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you’re driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
About the role
Zone 5 is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role demands deep expertise in unmanned multi-rotor systems with either advanced software or hardware engineering capabilities. The Chief Engineer leads technical strategy, and execution for UAS platforms, overseeing software, hardware, and architecture efforts.
Key Responsibilities
•
Lead end-to-end technical development of UAS from concept through production
•
Define system architecture and technical requirements for next-generation platforms including aerodynamic design, propulsion, guidance, and payload integration
•
Oversee integration with aircraft systems including mechanical interfaces, communication links, and launch enclosures
•
Drive technical decision-making across multidisciplinary teams including aerodynamics, flight controls, autonomy, sensors, and communications
•
Establish and maintain technical standards, design processes, and verification methodologies
•
Lead technical risk management and trade studies for performance, cost, and schedule optimization
•
Interface with customers, stakeholders, and program leadership on technical matters
•
Mentor and develop engineering talent across the organization
•
Guide certification and qualification activities for airworthiness and operational readiness
Required Qualifications
•
12+ years of experience in unmanned aircraft systems development
•
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred)
•
5+ years in technical leadership roles with direct responsibility for system-level design
•
Proven track record of delivering unmanned aircraft programs from concept to production
•
Deep understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control systems
•
Active or ability to obtain security clearance
•
Strong communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
•
Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities
•
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with systems thinking mindset
Technical Background (Software) - *REQUIRED*
•
Expert-level proficiency in flight control software architecture and real-time embedded systems
•
Expert-level proficiency with on board Avionics, Navigation, Communications
•
Experience with path planning algorithms, and mission management software
•
Strong background in software-hardware integration for avionics and flight systems
•
Proficiency in model-based design, simulation, and software verification/validation
•
Knowledge of DO-178C or equivalent safety-critical software standards
Technical Background (Hardware) - Preferred
Nice to have
•
Experience with mechanical/electrical systems integration including actuators, power systems, and thermal management
•
Strong background in design for manufacturability and producibility
•
Proficiency in systems engineering tools and hardware verification methodologies
•
Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and qualification testing
Qualifications
•
Experience with single use munitions, attritable systems
•
Knowledge of datalinks, RF communications, and network-centric operations
•
Experience with digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
•
Experience with swarm coordination, collaborative autonomy, or multi-agent systems
•
Knowledge of modular design approaches and open systems architecture
•
Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and military airworthiness certification
Understanding of counter-UAS systems and electronic warfare
Pay range for this role
$180,000—$230,000 USD
What’s in it for you:
Benefits:
•
Competitive total compensation package
•
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
•
401k with company-match
•
3 weeks of paid time off each year
•
40 hours of sick time
•
12 annual company holidays
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
•
Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
•
Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
•
Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
Legal
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.
More roles at Zone 5 Technologies
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