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Sustainment Engineer (III/IV)

San Luis Obispo, California

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

We are seeking a Sustainment Engineer to ensure the operational readiness, reliability, and performance of our advanced defense systems throughout their lifecycle. This role bridges engineering, operations, and customer support to maximize system availability and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute sustainment strategies for fielded systems including maintenance plans, logistics support, and obsolescence management
  • Conduct root cause analysis and failure investigations for system anomalies and implement corrective and preventive actions
  • Provide technical support to field service teams, customers, and end users through remote troubleshooting and on-site assistance
  • Analyze system performance data, reliability metrics, and failure trends to identify improvement opportunities
  • Create and maintain technical documentation including maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and training materials
  • Manage configuration control and engineering change processes for deployed systems
  • Coordinate with design engineering teams to implement product improvements based on field feedback
  • Support depot-level maintenance activities and system upgrades
  • Train field service personnel and customer maintenance teams on system operation and repair
  • Manage spare parts planning, inventory optimization, and supply chain coordination
  • Participate in system qualification testing and validation of engineering changes
  • Interface directly with customers to understand operational challenges and requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
  • 3+ years of experience in sustainment engineering, field service engineering, or product support roles
  • Hands-on experience with complex electromechanical, software-intensive, or autonomous systems
  • Strong understanding of reliability engineering principles (MTBF, MTTR, availability analysis)
  • Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa diagrams)
  • Proficiency reading technical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and system documentation
  • Experience with configuration management and change control processes
  • Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and customer interaction
  • Willingness to travel 25-50% to customer sites, test facilities, and operational locations
  • Must be a U.S. citizen eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active Secret security clearance
  • Experience with defense systems, unmanned systems, or autonomous platforms
  • Military experience or prior work supporting DoD programs
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD-1388 logistics support analysis or similar standards
  • Familiarity with FMEA, FTA, or reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) methodologies
  • Experience with condition-based maintenance or predictive analytics
  • Background in avionics, electro-mechanical systems, guidance systems.
  • Six Sigma or ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) certification
  • Experience with supplier quality management and vendor coordination

Pay range for this role

$100,000 - $140,000 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! 

Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid-west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.

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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