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Flight Test Director

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.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Flight Test Director to lead planning and execution of all flight test operations across our portfolio of cutting-edge aerospace platforms. This role is mission-critical, requiring exceptional cross-functional leadership, technical acumen, and operational rigor. You will oversee all stages of flight test – from planning and risk management to execution and post-flight analysis – with a focus on safety, system performance, and rapid iteration. Additionally, you will develop, mentor, and manage a team of flight test engineers, operators, and technicians.  

Job Responsibilities:

  • Define flight test analysis processes, methods, and tools
  • Lead the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of all flight test operations across multiple programs
  • Grow, mentor, and train your team of flight test engineers, operators, and technicians
  • Develop test plans, safety procedures, range coordination documentation, and CONOPS in alignment with technical and regulatory needs 
  • Serve as the senior technical authority on site during flight operations, ensuring mission success, team safety, and real-time decision making
  • Coordinate cross-functionally with engineering, software, GNC, avionics and systems integrations teams to define test objectives and success criteria 
  • Ensure compliance with all FAA, DoD, and internal flight safety requirements
  • Lead pre- and post-test briefings
  • Manage test range logistics, site readiness, and coordination with external stakeholders, including customers and regulatory authorities
  • Oversee test data collection, analysis, and reporting to support rapid engineering interaction and verification/validation 
  • Support team growth by hiring, training, and mentoring high-performing flight test team members 

Qualifications expectations for this role:

  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s is a plus) 
  • 8+ years of experience in flight test, aerospace system validation, or military test operations, including 2+ years in leading test operations with safety-critical systems 
  • Familiarity with military and/or FAA flight test requirements, safety protocols, and documentation 
  • Strong project management skills, including timeline development, resource planning, and stakeholder communication 
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and situational decision-making skills 
  • Ability to travel frequently and support field deployments in remote environments 
  • Active or eligible for U.S Secret (or higher) security clearance 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Masters’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field  
  • Deep understanding of UAS systems, flight software, GNC, telemetry, and mission assurance 
  • Experience working with UAS in high-growth environments 
  • Test Pilot School Graduate or equivalent military test experience

Pay range for this role

$170,000 - $220,000 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.

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! 

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.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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