Zone 5 Technologies

Aerospace engineering and high-volume munitions production

Deputy Chief Engineer

Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeFort Worth, TX, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

Seven or more years of experience in unmanned or autonomous vehicle systems development.
A bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Three or more years in technical leadership roles with direct responsibility for system-level design.
Experience delivering unmanned aircraft programs from concept to production.
Understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control systems.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
Ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Ability to work with cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a systems-thinking mindset.
Experience with mechanical and electrical systems integration, including actuators, power systems, and thermal management.
Experience in design for manufacturability and producibility.
Proficiency in systems engineering tools and hardware verification methodologies.
Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and qualification testing.

Responsibilities

Assist or lead end-to-end technical development of unmanned aircraft 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 enclosures.
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.
Assist in mentoring and developing engineering talent across the organization.
Guide certification and qualification activities for airworthiness and operational readiness.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with single-use munitions and attritable systems.
Knowledge of datalinks, radio-frequency communications, and network-centric operations.
Experience with digital engineering and model-based systems engineering.
Experience with swarm coordination, collaborative autonomy, or multi-agent systems.
Knowledge of modular design approaches and open systems architecture.
Familiarity with Department of Defense acquisition processes and military airworthiness certification.
Understanding of counter-unmanned aircraft systems and electronic warfare.
A master's degree or PhD.

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in precision weapons and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Our team of engineers and innovators are developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions to deliver affordable and scalable precision weapons, interceptors, and UAS.

We're building the next generation of munitions and unmanned systems for the United States and its allies. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on defense technology, you belong here.

Zone 5 is seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role demands expertise in unmanned vehicle systems with either advanced software and/or hardware engineering capabilities. The Deputy Chief Engineer will drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution of UAS platforms in concert with the program Chief Engineer. 

Key Responsibilities

Assist or lead end-to-end technical development of UAS 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 enclosures

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

Assist in mentoring and developing engineering talent across the organization

Guide certification and qualification activities for airworthiness and operational readiness

Required Qualifications

7+ years of experience in unmanned/autonomous vehicle systems development

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred)

3+ years in technical leadership roles with direct responsibility for system-level design

Experience in delivering unmanned aircraft programs from concept to production

Understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control systems

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 (Hardware)

Experience with mechanical/electrical systems integration including actuators, power systems, and thermal management

Experience 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, 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 systems

Knowledge of modular design approaches and open systems architecture

Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and military airworthiness certification

Understanding of counter-UAS systems and electronic warfare

Pay range for this role

$165,000—$220,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits:

Competitive total compensation package
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401k with company-match
3 weeks of paid time off each year
40 hours of sick time
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!

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.

Pay range for this role 165000 - 220000 USD

About the Company

Zone 5 Technologies

Aerospace engineering and high-volume munitions production

Zone 5 designs and builds unmanned aircraft systems and low-cost missiles for defense, serving as a prime DoD contractor with vertical integration from concept to production. Its products, like the Rusty Dagger cruise missile, Paladin UAS for autonomous counter-drone missions, and White Spike for counter-UAS and precision strikes, are engineered for high-volume, low-cost production with modular avionics for fast fielding. It differentiates itself by a production-first approach that aims to cut unit costs and shorten development timelines, delivering a flight-ready system within about four months, and by controlling design and manufacturing in-house as a vertically integrated contractor; in 2026 it became a mostly-owned subsidiary of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Its goal is to provide affordable, scalable munition and counter-UAS solutions for the DoD and allied forces.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: San Luis Obispo, CA
Founded: 2011

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Zone 5 Technologies

See more jobs