Full-Time

Mechanical Engineer 5/VI

Zone 5 Technologies

Zone 5 Technologies

201-500 employees

End-to-end UAS development for DoD

Compensation Overview

$182k - $238k/yr

San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

In Person

Category
Mechanical Engineering (2)
,
Required Skills
CAD
GD&T
SolidWorks
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of experience in engineering roles
  • Advanced proficiency in CAD and mechanical design software (e.g., SolidWorks)
  • Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and drafting
  • Experience with design for manufacturability (DFMA) and tooling design
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and other advanced simulation tools
  • Experience in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and ability to mentor
  • Proven ability to drive innovation and manage complex engineering projects
Responsibilities
  • Strategic Design Leadership: Lead the design of complex mechanical systems for UAVs, including advanced airframes, propulsion systems, and payload integration
  • Advanced Prototyping and Testing: Oversee the development and testing of UAV prototypes, ensuring compliance with performance and reliability goals
  • Comprehensive Structural Analysis: Conduct and review in-depth stress, strain, and fatigue analysis for UAV mechanical systems operating under extreme conditions
  • Thermal Management Expertise: Develop and implement innovative thermal systems for high-performance UAVs
  • Cross-Functional Integration: Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with avionics, sensors, and software controls
  • Material Innovation: Drive research and development of advanced materials for UAV applications, focusing on composites and lightweight alloys
  • Failure Analysis and Solutions: Lead root cause analysis of mechanical failures and propose long-term, impactful solutions
  • Regulatory Compliance Leadership: Ensure all designs meet and exceed UAS regulations and industry certifications
  • Research and Development: Spearhead R&D initiatives to advance UAS technologies, including autonomous navigation and advanced manufacturing techniques
  • Mentorship and Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering professional growth within the team
  • Documentation and Reporting: Author comprehensive technical documentation, including design reviews, test reports, and compliance certifications
Desired Qualifications
  • Above experience including 5 years dedicated to UAV development
  • Advanced proficiency in CAD primarily for aerospace and UAS applications
  • Experience with advanced simulation tools (e.g. FEA, CFD)
  • Expertise in structural mechanics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics
  • In depth knowledge of UAV manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and advanced composite materials.
  • Familiarity with advanced UAV-specific regulations and broader aerospace certification processes (e.g., DO-160, AS9100)

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.