Zone5tech
Mechanical Engineer V/VI Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States
Zone5tech, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, us, 32549
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States
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’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’re looking for a Mechanical Engineer V/VI for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – a senior‑level role responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced mechanical systems for UAVs. This position involves strategic oversight, innovative problem‑solving, and mentorship of junior engineers. Engineers in this role will contribute to cutting‑edge advancements in UAS technologies, driving innovation in areas such as autonomous systems, additive manufacturing, and aerospace materials.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Design Leadership:
Lead the design of complex mechanical systems for UAVs, including advanced airframes, propulsion systems, and payload integration.
Advanced Prototyping and Testing:
Oversee the development and testing of UAV prototypes, ensuring compliance with performance and reliability goals.
Comprehensive Structural Analysis:
Conduct and review in‑depth stress, strain, and fatigue analysis for UAV mechanical systems operating under extreme conditions.
Thermal Management Expertise:
Develop and implement innovative thermal systems for high‑performance UAVs.
Cross‑Functional Integration:
Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with avionics, sensors, and software controls.
Material Innovation:
Drive research and development of advanced materials for UAV applications, focusing on composites and lightweight alloys.
Failure Analysis and Solutions:
Lead root‑cause analysis of mechanical failures and propose long‑term, impactful solutions.
Regulatory Compliance Leadership:
Ensure all designs meet and exceed UAS regulations and industry certifications.
Research and Development:
Spearhead R&D initiatives to advance UAS technologies, including autonomous navigation and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Mentorship and Leadership:
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid‑level engineers, fostering professional growth within the team.
Documentation and Reporting:
Author comprehensive technical documentation, including design reviews, test reports, and compliance certifications.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
10+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical systems, with at least 5 years dedicated to UAV development.
Skills:
Advanced proficiency in CAD and mechanical design software (SolidWorks).
Skills:
Extensive experience with FEA, CFD, and other advanced simulation tools.
Skills:
Expertise in structural mechanics, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics.
Skills:
In‑depth knowledge of UAV manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing and composite fabrication.
Skills:
Strong leadership and project management skills.
Skills:
Familiarity with advanced UAV regulations and certifications (e.g., FAA Part 107, DO‑178).
Skills:
Proven ability to drive innovation and manage complex engineering projects.
Pay range: $175,000 – $225,000 USD
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package options include 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 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.
If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:
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 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 towards 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 and solve 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’re looking for a Mechanical Engineer V/VI for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – a senior‑level role responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced mechanical systems for UAVs. This position involves strategic oversight, innovative problem‑solving, and mentorship of junior engineers. Engineers in this role will contribute to cutting‑edge advancements in UAS technologies, driving innovation in areas such as autonomous systems, additive manufacturing, and aerospace materials.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Design Leadership:
Lead the design of complex mechanical systems for UAVs, including advanced airframes, propulsion systems, and payload integration.
Advanced Prototyping and Testing:
Oversee the development and testing of UAV prototypes, ensuring compliance with performance and reliability goals.
Comprehensive Structural Analysis:
Conduct and review in‑depth stress, strain, and fatigue analysis for UAV mechanical systems operating under extreme conditions.
Thermal Management Expertise:
Develop and implement innovative thermal systems for high‑performance UAVs.
Cross‑Functional Integration:
Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with avionics, sensors, and software controls.
Material Innovation:
Drive research and development of advanced materials for UAV applications, focusing on composites and lightweight alloys.
Failure Analysis and Solutions:
Lead root‑cause analysis of mechanical failures and propose long‑term, impactful solutions.
Regulatory Compliance Leadership:
Ensure all designs meet and exceed UAS regulations and industry certifications.
Research and Development:
Spearhead R&D initiatives to advance UAS technologies, including autonomous navigation and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Mentorship and Leadership:
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid‑level engineers, fostering professional growth within the team.
Documentation and Reporting:
Author comprehensive technical documentation, including design reviews, test reports, and compliance certifications.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
10+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical systems, with at least 5 years dedicated to UAV development.
Skills:
Advanced proficiency in CAD and mechanical design software (SolidWorks).
Skills:
Extensive experience with FEA, CFD, and other advanced simulation tools.
Skills:
Expertise in structural mechanics, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics.
Skills:
In‑depth knowledge of UAV manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing and composite fabrication.
Skills:
Strong leadership and project management skills.
Skills:
Familiarity with advanced UAV regulations and certifications (e.g., FAA Part 107, DO‑178).
Skills:
Proven ability to drive innovation and manage complex engineering projects.
Pay range: $175,000 – $225,000 USD
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package options include 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 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.
If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:
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 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 towards 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr