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Mission Simulation Engineer

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.

Join our dynamic team as a Mission Simulation Engineer to develop high-fidelity virtual environments and simulation tooling that support autonomy development, operator training, and mission rehearsal. Your work will power hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, AI/ML perception training and scenario authoring using modern simulation platforms. 

 

Responsibilities: 

  • Build, automate, and maintain simulation environments for airfields, forward operating bases (FOBs), urban terrain, and electronic warfare (EW) scenarios 
  • Develop 3D assets, terrain, and interactive scenario content using Unreal Engine 4/5 or other real-time engines 
  • Script mission logic and test scenarios using Blueprints, C++, or Python APIs 
  • Integrate vehicle dynamics (e.g., PX4 SITL/HITL, JSBSim) and plugin sensor models (RGB-D, LiDAR, IR, stereo) into ROS2-based autonomy pipelines 
  • Build CI pipelines for nightly simulation builds and regression testing 
  • Collaborate with ML and autonomy teams on random scenario generation for perception datasets 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience) 
  • 3+ years of professional experience in simulation, game engine, or 3D environment development 
  • Proficiency in C++, and/or Blueprint scripting in Unreal Engine 
  • Experience with Gazebo, Ignition, Isaac Sim, or similar simulation platforms 
  • Strong understanding of asset pipelines (FBX, USD, Nanite, LODs) 
  • Familiarity with real-time performance optimization for desktop and GPU-based workloads 
  • Knowledge of physics engines, skeletal animation systems, and shader authoring (GLSL/HLSL) 
  • ROS2 simulation bridge or AirSim plugin development experience (bonus) 
  • Knowledge of RF modeling, atmospheric/ocean simulation, or photogrammetry pipelines (bonus) 
  • Multiplayer networking or distributes simulation experience (bonus) 
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for simulation asset builds (preferred) 

Pay range for this role

$140,000 - $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.

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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