Zone 5 Technologies
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.
We are seeking senior Flight Test Engineers to assemble, certify, and fly groups 1 to 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will play a crucial role in the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). You will work with cross‑functional teams to develop test plans, conduct flight tests, and ensure that UAV systems meet performance, safety, and reliability standards. This position requires a strong background in aerospace engineering, a deep understanding of UAV systems, and experience in flight testing.
Zone 5 maintains a weekly flight test cadence at test ranges local to the San Luis Obispo, CA area. In addition, there will be occasional flight test demonstration events at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support. Flight testing requires significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions.
Responsibilities
Develop detailed flight test plans, including objectives, methodologies, safety protocols, and resource requirements.
Collaborate with design engineers, systems engineers, and software developers to define test requirements and procedures.
Coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and standards.
Flight Test Execution
Conduct pre‑flight inspections and system checks to ensure the readiness of UAVs for testing.
Lead or participate in the execution of flight tests, including piloting UAVs remotely if required.
Monitor and analyze flight data in real‑time to ensure the achievement of test objectives.
Troubleshoot issues that arise during testing and implement corrective actions.
Data Analysis and Reporting
Collect, analyze, and interpret flight test data to assess the performance of UAV systems.
Prepare comprehensive test reports documenting results, findings, and recommendations for design improvements.
Present findings to engineering teams, management, and external stakeholders.
Safety and Risk Management
Implement and enforce safety protocols during all phases of flight testing.
Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to ensure safe operations.
Lead post‑test debriefs to identify lessons learned and incorporate them into future testing.
Contribute to the development and refinement of test methodologies and procedures.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in UAV flight testing.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to team members.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
7‑10 years of experience in aerospace engineering, with at least 5 years in UAV flight testing or a closely related field.
Proven experience in planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.
Experience with data acquisition systems, telemetry, and flight control systems.
Skills
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency in flight test software and simulation tools.
Knowledge of FAA regulations and airworthiness standards for UAVs.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
Primarily office‑based with significant time spent at test sites.
May include environments in hot, cold, and/or wet conditions.
May involve travel to various test locations and working in outdoor environments under various weather conditions.
Pay range for role
$110,000 – $180,000 USD
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401k 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 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!
Note about our Texas roles: 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.
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.
Voluntary Self‑Identification As set forth in Zone 5 Technologies’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
Protected Veteran Categories
A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.
A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An "armed forces service medal veteran" means 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.
Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability
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
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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.
We are seeking senior Flight Test Engineers to assemble, certify, and fly groups 1 to 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will play a crucial role in the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). You will work with cross‑functional teams to develop test plans, conduct flight tests, and ensure that UAV systems meet performance, safety, and reliability standards. This position requires a strong background in aerospace engineering, a deep understanding of UAV systems, and experience in flight testing.
Zone 5 maintains a weekly flight test cadence at test ranges local to the San Luis Obispo, CA area. In addition, there will be occasional flight test demonstration events at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support. Flight testing requires significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions.
Responsibilities
Develop detailed flight test plans, including objectives, methodologies, safety protocols, and resource requirements.
Collaborate with design engineers, systems engineers, and software developers to define test requirements and procedures.
Coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and standards.
Flight Test Execution
Conduct pre‑flight inspections and system checks to ensure the readiness of UAVs for testing.
Lead or participate in the execution of flight tests, including piloting UAVs remotely if required.
Monitor and analyze flight data in real‑time to ensure the achievement of test objectives.
Troubleshoot issues that arise during testing and implement corrective actions.
Data Analysis and Reporting
Collect, analyze, and interpret flight test data to assess the performance of UAV systems.
Prepare comprehensive test reports documenting results, findings, and recommendations for design improvements.
Present findings to engineering teams, management, and external stakeholders.
Safety and Risk Management
Implement and enforce safety protocols during all phases of flight testing.
Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to ensure safe operations.
Lead post‑test debriefs to identify lessons learned and incorporate them into future testing.
Contribute to the development and refinement of test methodologies and procedures.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in UAV flight testing.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to team members.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
7‑10 years of experience in aerospace engineering, with at least 5 years in UAV flight testing or a closely related field.
Proven experience in planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.
Experience with data acquisition systems, telemetry, and flight control systems.
Skills
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency in flight test software and simulation tools.
Knowledge of FAA regulations and airworthiness standards for UAVs.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
Primarily office‑based with significant time spent at test sites.
May include environments in hot, cold, and/or wet conditions.
May involve travel to various test locations and working in outdoor environments under various weather conditions.
Pay range for role
$110,000 – $180,000 USD
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401k 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 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!
Note about our Texas roles: 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.
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.
Voluntary Self‑Identification As set forth in Zone 5 Technologies’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
Protected Veteran Categories
A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.
A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An "armed forces service medal veteran" means 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.
Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability
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
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