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Software Engineering Manager – Embedded Software

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're looking for a people-first Software Engineering manager to oversee the development, integration, and maintenance of software systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This role involves leading a team of software engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, and flight operations), and ensuring that all software complies with safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. The candidate will be responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering through design, implementation, and validation.  

Software Engineering Manager – Embedded Software (UAV Systems) 

Responsibilities 

  • Team Leadership & Management: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing software engineering team developing mission-critical embedded software for UAV flight control, communications, mission planning, and data processing. 
  • Technical Direction & Architecture Oversight: Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance for embedded software systems, ensuring scalability, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. 
  • Project & Execution Coordination: Coordinate with product and program managers to define project scope, allocate resources, set priorities, and manage software development schedules for flight control, mission management, and payload software programs. 
  • Systems Integration & Delivery: Collaborate with cross-functional engineering groups to ensure seamless integration of software with hardware, sensors, communication systems, and ground control systems. 
  • Quality Assurance & Safety: Oversee verification and validation activities, including unit testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and flight testing to ensure performance, robustness, and safety of delivered software. 
  • Compliance & Certification Leadership: Ensure development follows certification frameworks and safety standards such as DO-178C, ARP4754, and other UAV regulatory requirements. 
  • Innovation & Technology Strategy: Evaluate emerging technologies and drive adoption into product roadmaps, supporting advancement in autonomy, communications, and mission capabilities. 
  • Process Improvement: Help refine development best practices, coding standards, test methodologies, and documentation processes to support scalability and efficiency. 
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Align software engineering goals with product, business, and operational requirements by coordinating closely with program and product management, systems engineering, hardware engineering, and flight operations teams. 
  • Documentation Oversight: Ensure creation and maintenance of high-quality documentation including design artifacts, test plans, certification documentation, and user manuals. 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). 
  • Minimum of 7+ years of software engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership, management, or team-lead role. 
  • Strong background in embedded or aerospace software development, with experience in UAV systems strongly preferred. 
  • Familiarity with programming languages and modeling tools used in embedded and control systems (e.g., C, C++, C#, Python, MATLAB, Simulink). 
  • Understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), flight control systems, and communication protocols (e.g., STANAG-4586, ARINC-825, MAVLink). 
  • Experience with network protocols (UDP, TCP, DNS, DHCP) and working with networked embedded devices. 
  • Knowledge of software development lifecycle tools and workflow systems (Git, GitHub, JIRA, CI/CD). 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead diverse technical teams, communicate effectively, and drive results in a fast-paced engineering environment. 
  • Familiarity with safety-critical systems and certification standards such as DO-178C and ARP4754. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience with autonomy-enabling technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, or advanced sensor fusion. 
  • Knowledge of satellite or long-range communication technologies relevant to UAV platforms. 
  • Prior involvement in scaling engineering teams or multi-program software organizations. 

Pay range for this role

$200,000 - $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! 

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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