Zone5tech
Chief Engineer Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States; Fort Worth, Texas; San
Zone5tech, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, us, 32549
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States; Fort Worth, Texas; San Luis Obispo, California
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 an exceptional Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation systems. This role demands deep expertise in missile systems with either advanced software or hardware engineering capabilities. The Chief Engineer will drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution for air-launched platforms.
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 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
Experience with air-vehicle integration including launch, separation, and flight envelope analysis
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 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
OR 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 usemunitions, 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 systemsKnowledge 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 for this role
$200,000 - $250,000 USD
What's in it for you:
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 For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.
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.
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 Form CC-305
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OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress toward this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.
Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.
How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your "major life activities." If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:
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
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
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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 an exceptional Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation systems. This role demands deep expertise in missile systems with either advanced software or hardware engineering capabilities. The Chief Engineer will drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution for air-launched platforms.
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 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
Experience with air-vehicle integration including launch, separation, and flight envelope analysis
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 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
OR 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 usemunitions, 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 systemsKnowledge 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 for this role
$200,000 - $250,000 USD
What's in it for you:
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 For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.
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.
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 Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress toward this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.
Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.
How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your "major life activities." If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:
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
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
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