Software Engineer 5/VI

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're pioneering the next generation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) — delivering affordable, high-performance, flight-proven platforms that redefine defense capabilities. From air-launched effects and open interceptor systems like White Spike to advanced autonomy and mission-critical software, our work directly shapes multi-domain operations for demanding government customers. We're scaling rapidly (recently acquired by KONGSBERG and growing fast), and we're seeking elite software engineering talent to architect and deliver the high-reliability, safety-critical software that powers these groundbreaking systems. If you're a battle-tested senior engineer who thrives on owning complex domains, mentoring high-performing teams, driving technical excellence in regulated aerospace/defense environments, and solving problems where failure is not an option — this is your opportunity to leave a lasting mark on next-generation flight and strike capabilities.

We're looking for a principal-level C#/.NET software engineer (with strong embedded or real-time systems depth) ready to lead the design and evolution of complex, high-assurance software for autonomous UAS platforms in the aerospace and defense sector. Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, implementation, and verification of embedded and application-level software for high-reliability, safety-critical UAS systems — from flight controls and mission autonomy to ground station integration and real-time data processing.
• Own end-to-end technical ownership of major software components or subsystems, driving decisions on technology stack, performance optimization, fault tolerance, and certification pathways (DO-178C familiarity a strong plus).
• Collaborate deeply with systems, hardware, GNC, flight test, and cybersecurity teams to define requirements, resolve cross-domain challenges, and integrate software into full-system flight demonstrations.
• Champion modern development excellence: architect and evolve CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions + AWS), automated testing frameworks, build systems, and deployment strategies for cloud-edge hybrid environments.
• Mentor and guide mid-level and senior engineers, conduct in-depth code/design reviews, establish best practices, and foster a culture of rigorous, high-quality engineering in a fast-paced environment.
• Contribute to strategic technical roadmaps, evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., real-time middleware, model-based design, AI/ML integration for autonomy), and influence product direction for long-range strike, counter-UAS, and multi-domain systems.
• Support qualification, certification, and airworthiness processes through rigorous verification, validation, and documentation in compliance with defense and aerospace standards.

Qualifications

• 8–15+ years of professional software engineering experience, with significant time spent on complex, high-reliability or safety-critical systems (aerospace, defense, automotive, medical devices, or similar strongly preferred).
• Deep expertise in C# (preferred) and strong proficiency in additional languages such as C/C++, Python, or Matlab/Simulink for real-time/embedded/model-based workflows.
• Proven track record designing and delivering real-time embedded software, flight-critical applications, autonomy stacks, or mission systems for UAS, drones, robotics, or related platforms.
• Advanced hands-on mastery of Git/GitHub workflows at scale, Visual Studio, and scripting/automation (Bash, PowerShell, Python) for build/deploy/test pipelines.
• Strong experience building and optimizing CI/CD systems (GitHub Actions required; Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar a plus) and deploying/managing software in AWS or hybrid cloud environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives, influence architecture across teams, and deliver under aggressive schedules in regulated industries.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills — able to distill complex technical concepts for cross-functional stakeholders and drive consensus on tough trade-offs.
• U.S. person status required (ability to obtain and maintain security clearance preferred; existing clearance a significant advantage).

Pay Range by level:

Level V - $207,000 - $226,000

Level VI - $226,000 - $267,000

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