Full-Time

Machine Learning Engineer 3

Computer Vision & Data Systems

Zone 5 Technologies

Zone 5 Technologies

201-500 employees

End-to-end UAS development for DoD

Compensation Overview

$157k - $189k/yr

United States

In Person

Category
AI & Machine Learning (2)
,
Required Skills
MLOps
Pytorch
Pandas
NumPy
OpenCV
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field (Master's preferred) – equivalent industry experience also welcome
  • 4-6+ years of experience in machine learning with focus on computer vision applications
  • Strong proficiency in PyTorch and modern deep learning frameworks
  • Hands-on experience deploying models on NVIDIA Jetson platforms (Orin, Xavier, or similar)
  • Solid understanding of model optimization techniques: quantization, pruning, TensorRT, ONNX
  • Experience with ROS2 for robotics applications, including sensor integration and message handling
  • Proven track record building and managing ML data pipelines and infrastructure
  • Strong Python skills with experience in data processing libraries (NumPy, Pandas, OpenCV)
  • Familiarity with MLOps tools and practices (versioning, experiment tracking, CI/CD for models)
Responsibilities
  • Design, train, and optimize object detection and tracking models (YOLO, RT-DETR, ViT) for aerial platforms
  • Deploy models on NVIDIA Jetson hardware using TensorRT, achieving real-time inference
  • Integrate vision models into ROS2 autonomy stacks with efficient message passing and synchronized sensor data
  • Profile and optimize model performance to meet compute, power, and latency constraints on embedded systems
  • Build and maintain data pipelines for ingestion, labeling, versioning, and quality control of large-scale aerial imagery datasets
  • Design active learning loops and data selection strategies to maximize model performance with minimal labeling effort
  • Implement automated model evaluation frameworks and performance monitoring for deployed systems
  • Create synthetic data generation pipelines and data augmentation strategies to improve model robustness
  • Develop ROS2 nodes for real-time sensor processing, model inference, and downstream autonomy integration
  • Work with GStreamer and Jetson multimedia APIs for efficient camera pipeline management
  • Collaborate with perception and autonomy teams to ensure vision outputs meet system requirements
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with C++ for performance-critical vision processing
  • Knowledge of CUDA programming or GPU optimization
  • Familiarity with data labeling tools and annotation management systems
  • Experience with synthetic data generation or domain adaptation techniques
  • Understanding of aerial imagery characteristics and challenges
  • Background in object tracking algorithms (Kalman filters, Hungarian assignment, multi-object tracking)
  • Experience with GStreamer, Jetson BSP, or embedded Linux development
  • Knowledge of model monitoring and performance debugging in production systems
  • Familiarity with DVC, MLflow, Weights & Biases, or similar MLOps platforms

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 Jobs

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
Dec 18th, 2025
KONGSBERG acquires Zone 5 and enters development and high-volume production of affordable missiles - Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

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.

Surperformance
Dec 17th, 2025
Kongsberg acquires 90% of US missile maker Zone 5 for undisclosed sum

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.