Zone 5 Technologies

Aerospace engineering and high-volume munitions production

Systems Integration & Test Technician 3/4

AvionicsPosted on Nov 12

Full-timeSan Luis Obispo, CA, USA

About the Job

Requirements

An associate's degree or technical training in electronics, avionics, or a related field, or equivalent military training is required.
At least 5 years of experience as an electronics, avionics, or test technician in aerospace, defense, or another high-reliability industry is required.
The candidate must be able to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
The candidate must be proficient with test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and harness testers.
The candidate must have advanced soldering, crimping, and harness fabrication skills.
The candidate must be physically capable of lifting 50 pounds.
U.S. Person status is required due to export control regulations.

Responsibilities

Perform integration, functional, and acceptance testing of avionics, sub-assemblies, and systems for development and production.
Troubleshoot hardware to the component and harness level and document findings.
Accurately record test results, discrepancies, and hardware configuration.
Lead the build, wiring, and maintenance of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) rigs and production test stations.
Fabricate and repair complex wire harnesses to workmanship standards.
Maintain test equipment and ensure its calibration status is current.
Redline and improve test procedures and work instructions with engineering.
Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to increase test throughput and quality.
Support engineering changes and hardware updates on test stations and articles.
Lead the build, development, and rollout of production line testing.
Maintain test rigs for production development.
Perform diagnostics on production assets.
Lead and support rework and repair of production assets, which may require travel.
Support research and development builds of test assets.
Work with engineers to identify and resolve issues found during development.
Lead diagnostics on test assets and provide design feedback to engineers.
Support post-flight and failure analysis with engineering.
Train and mentor junior technicians in test, wiring, and troubleshooting practices.
Coordinate daily technician work with engineers and production schedules.
Train unmanned aerial vehicle technicians to perform high-level production tasks.

Desired Qualifications

IPC/WHMA-A-620 and/or J-STD-001 certification is preferred.
Experience with avionics communication protocols, including CAN, UART, Ethernet, and MIL-STD-1553, is preferred.
Experience supporting production acceptance testing in a rate-production environment is preferred.
An active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one is preferred.
A U.S. passport and ability to travel are preferred.

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.

Role Summary

At Zone 5 Technologies, the Systems Integration & Test team builds and operates the Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environments and test stations used to integrate, test, and deliver avionics, systems, and sub-systems for development and production aircraft.

The Systems Integration & Test Technician III/IV is a senior hands-on, cross-functional role that leads technician work on the floor - building and maintaining test stations, performing integration and acceptance testing, troubleshooting hardware, and helping the team meet increasing production demand.

Responsibilities

Integration & Acceptance Testing

Perform integration, functional, and acceptance testing of avionics, sub-assemblies, and systems for development and production.

Troubleshoot hardware to the component and harness level and document findings.

Record test results, discrepancies, and hardware configuration with accuracy.

Test Station Build & Maintenance

Lead the build, wiring, and maintenance of HITL rigs and production test stations.

Fabricate and repair complex wire harnesses to workmanship standards.

Maintain test equipment and ensure calibration status is current.

Process & Throughput

Redline and improve test procedures and work instructions with engineering.

Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to increase test throughput and quality.
Support engineering changes and hardware updates on test stations and articles.

Production Support

Lead the build, development and rollout of production line testing.

Maintain test rigs for production development.

Perform diagnostics on production assets.
Lead and support rework and repair of production assets (may require travel).

Research and Development Support

Support R&D Builds of test assets.

Work with engineers to find and fix issues found during development.

Lead diagnostics on test assets and give feedback to engineers on design.
Support post flight analysis and failure analysis with engineering.

Team Support

Train and mentor junior technicians in test, wiring, and troubleshooting practices.

Coordinate daily technician work with engineers and production schedules.

Train UAV technicians to perform high level production tasks.

Qualifications

Associate's degree or technical training in electronics, avionics, or a related field, or equivalent military training.

5+ years of experience as an electronics, avionics, or test technician in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries.

Strong ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.

Proficiency with test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, harness testers).

Advanced soldering, crimping, and harness fabrication skills.

Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs.

U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.

Preferred

IPC/WHMA-A-620 and/or J-STD-001 certification.

Experience with avionics communication protocols (CAN, UART, Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553).

Experience supporting production acceptance testing in a rate production environment.

Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain.

U.S. Passport and ability to travel.

Level III: $110,000 - $129,000/yr.

Level IV: $128,000 - $145,000/yr.

Pay range for this role

$110,000—$145,000 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 110000 - 145000 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

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