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Technical Program Manager- UAS

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

Join us at Zone 5 Technologies where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive pioneering advancements in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo CA, we're seeking talented individuals to join and contribute to our growing team.

We thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward-thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Technical Program Manager- UAS to join our team. This individual will play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating the development and testing of UAS systems tailored for government use. The Technical Program Manager will lead cross-functional engineering teams in developing CONOPS (Concept of Operations), vehicle designs, avionics systems, and mission planning software, ensuring that all projects are executed successfully from start to finish. 

Responsibilities:

  • Program Leadership: Drive the full lifecycle of UAS programs—from early-stage requirements and CONOPS development through prototype, testing, and production.
  • System Integration: Oversee integration of flight hardware, avionics, payloads, ground control systems, and mission planning software across Group 1 and Group 2 multi-rotor platforms.
  • Cross-Functional Management: Lead multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, software, and flight test engineers to ensure cohesive and timely project execution.
  • CONOPS Development: Collaborate with engineering teams and end users to define and document operational concepts, mission profiles, and use-case scenarios.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison between internal teams, government customers, and third-party vendors. Ensure alignment of deliverables with customer needs and compliance requirements.
  • Schedule & Budget Oversight: Manage project timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and budgets to keep efforts on track and within scope.
  • Risk & Quality Management: Identify program risks early and implement mitigation strategies. Ensure quality and compliance with industry and regulatory standards (e.g., FAA, DoD requirements).
  • Reporting & Documentation: Deliver regular program updates to leadership and stakeholders, including status reports, decision briefs, and technical documentation.

Qualifications: 

  • Education: BS or MS in engineering, management, manufacturing or other relevant field.
  • Experience: Proven experience in program management, preferably within the defense industry or related technology fields. 
  • Technical Knowledge: Understanding of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related technologies.
  • Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage cross- functional teams.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Project Management: Proficiency in project management tools and software; ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Defense Industry Experience: Experience in the defense sector is highly desirable but not mandatory. 

Pay range for this role

$110,000 - $170,000 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 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 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.

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.

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! 

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