Full-Time
Technical Program Manager
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Posted on 7/25/2025
Zone 5 Technologies
201-500 employees
End-to-end UAS development for DoD
Compensation Overview
$130k - $200k/yr
San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
In Person
 Business & Strategy (1) |
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- Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, management, manufacturing, or a related field.
- 8+ years of program management experience, preferably in the defense or technology sectors.
- Solid understanding of unmanned aircraft systems and related technologies.
- Proven leadership skills in motivating and guiding cross-functional teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in project management tools and software.
- Lead cross-functional engineering teams in crafting CONOPS, designing cutting-edge vehicles, and integrating advanced avionics and mission planning software
- Drive the full lifecycle of UAS programs, from early-stage requirements gathering to prototyping, testing and deployment.
- Oversee the integration of flight hardware, avionics, payloads, and ground control systems across multi-rotor platforms.
- Manage multidisciplinary teams of mechanical, electrical, software, and flight test engineers to ensue cohesive and timely project execution.
- Collaborate with engineering and end-user teams to define operational concepts and mission profiles.
- Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams, government customers, and vendors.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to maintain quality and compliance.
- Implement mitigation strategies and identify program risks to ensure quality and compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
- Deliver regular program updates to leadership and stakeholders, including status reports, decision briefs, and technical documentation.
- Experience in the defense sector is highly desirable but not mandatory.
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.