Zone 5 Technologies
Chief Engineer, Air Launched Effects
Zone 5 Technologies, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, us, 32549
Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Fort Worth, Texas; San Luis Obispo, California
Overview 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 and solve complex challenges that matter. We are looking for exceptional talent to join us and drive the future of UAS capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead end‑to‑end technical development of air‑launched unmanned systems 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 mechanisms
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, Electrical, Mechanical, 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
Experience with air‑vehicle integration, including launch, separation, and flight envelope analysis
Active or ability to obtain security clearance
Strong communication skills and 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 Focus)
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 Focus)
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
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with single‑use munitions and attributable 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 considerations and electronic warfare
Pay Range $200,000 - $250,000 USD
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package options, including medical, dental, vision, life, and more
401(k) with company match
4 weeks of paid time off each year
12 annual company holidays
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative environment: work on cutting‑edge technology that shapes 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
Application Call 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!
Location Note We are in the process of opening a location on the mid‑west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.
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Overview 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 and solve complex challenges that matter. We are looking for exceptional talent to join us and drive the future of UAS capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead end‑to‑end technical development of air‑launched unmanned systems 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 mechanisms
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, Electrical, Mechanical, 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
Experience with air‑vehicle integration, including launch, separation, and flight envelope analysis
Active or ability to obtain security clearance
Strong communication skills and 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 Focus)
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 Focus)
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
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with single‑use munitions and attributable 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 considerations and electronic warfare
Pay Range $200,000 - $250,000 USD
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package options, including medical, dental, vision, life, and more
401(k) with company match
4 weeks of paid time off each year
12 annual company holidays
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative environment: work on cutting‑edge technology that shapes 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
Application Call 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!
Location Note We are in the process of opening a location on the mid‑west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr