Full-Time
Mission Simulation Engineer
Simulation, Engineering
Posted on 8/25/2025
Zone 5 Technologies
201-500 employees
End-to-end UAS development for DoD
Compensation Overview
$140k - $170k/yr
United States
Hybrid
Texas-based role; initially remote, then onsite when the Dallas-area location opens in 2026.
 Software Engineering (1) |
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- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years of professional experience in simulation, game engine, or 3D environment development
- Proficiency in C++, and/or Blueprint scripting in Unreal Engine
- Experience with Gazebo, Ignition, Isaac Sim, or similar simulation platforms
- Strong understanding of asset pipelines (FBX, USD, Nanite, LODs)
- Familiarity with real-time performance optimization for desktop and GPU-based workloads
- Knowledge of physics engines, skeletal animation systems, and shader authoring (GLSL/HLSL)
- ROS2 simulation bridge or AirSim plugin development experience (bonus)
- Knowledge of RF modeling, atmospheric/ocean simulation, or photogrammetry pipelines (bonus)
- Multiplayer networking or distributes simulation experience (bonus)
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines for simulation asset builds (preferred)
- Build, automate, and maintain simulation environments for airfields, forward operating bases (FOBs), urban terrain, and electronic warfare (EW) scenarios
- Develop 3D assets, terrain, and interactive scenario content using Unreal Engine 4/5 or other real-time engines
- Script mission logic and test scenarios using Blueprints, C++, or Python APIs
- Integrate vehicle dynamics (e.g., PX4 SITL/HITL, JSBSim) and plugin sensor models (RGB-D, LiDAR, IR, stereo) into ROS2-based autonomy pipelines
- Build CI pipelines for nightly simulation builds and regression testing
- Collaborate with ML and autonomy teams on random scenario generation for perception datasets
- ROS2 simulation bridge or AirSim plugin development experience
- Knowledge of RF modeling, atmospheric/ocean simulation, or photogrammetry pipelines
- Multiplayer networking or distributed simulation experience
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines for simulation asset builds (preferred)
Zone 5 Technologies designs and builds unmanned aircraft systems for the U.S. Department of Defense as a prime contractor. Its products include air-launched effects, counter-UAS interceptors, next-generation munitions, and low-cost cruise missiles. The PALADIN multi-mission UAS can autonomously intercept drones and deploy munitions, while the Open Weapon Platform provides a modular system to rapidly add new capabilities. The company focuses on vertically integrated development from concept to production and aims for digitally engineered, attritable, affordable aircraft that can scale through a DoD-approved deployment path via the DIU Blue UAS program.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
San Luis Obispo, California
Founded
2011
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Kongsberg 90% acquisition in December 2025 expands into NATO markets.
- DIU Blue UAS certification accelerates PALADIN adoption across DoD branches.
- $100M+ profitable revenue in 2025 supports scalable high-volume manufacturing.
What critics are saying
- Kongsberg redirects PALADIN and OWP to Norwegian Rusty Dagger in 3-6 months.
- CFIUS rejects acquisition in 6-12 months, collapsing deal and blacklisting contracts.
- Anduril's Lattice UAS captures DIU slots, eroding counter-UAS revenue in 12-18 months.
What makes Zone 5 Technologies unique
- PALADIN UAS enables autonomous drone interception and munitions deployment.
- Open Weapon Platform integrates third-party capabilities rapidly into weapon systems.
- Vertically integrated from design to high-rate production of attritable aircraft.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Company News
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) has signed an agreement to acquire the California-based missile company Zone 5 Technologies LLC, which designs and produces affordable, mass producible long-range strike and anti-drone missiles. The value of the transaction is undisclosed.
Norwegian defence company Kongsberg Gruppen has agreed to acquire 90 percent of US-based Zone 5 Technologies, which develops and produces low-cost missiles in large volumes. The purchase price was not disclosed, and the deal requires regulatory approval. Zone 5's management will retain the remaining shares. The company generated over $100 million in sales in 2025 and is profitable. It will operate as an independent subsidiary under Kongsberg. "The acquisition of Zone 5 is an important strategic step for Kongsberg. Zone 5 is at the forefront of developing affordable missiles that can be produced in large volumes," said Geir Håøy, CEO of Kongsberg Gruppen.