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Electrical Engineering Manager

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.

Position Summary 

The Electrical Engineering Manager manages a team of Zone 5 electrical and avionics engineers, owning capability development, technical excellence, functional wellbeing, and staffing across multiple programs and IPTs. 

This role ensures the electrical engineering discipline consistently delivers high-quality architectures, hardware, and integration support while maintaining the speed, rigor, and safety required for aerospace and weapons-system development. 

You will partner closely across Programs, Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure electrical engineering supports program execution while proactively developing the processes, tools, and people required to scale. 

Responsibilities 

  • Lead, mentor, and develop Electrical Engineers across all levels, ensuring strong technical capability and functional wellbeing. 
  • Define and maintain EE discipline standards, design practices, and verification methods. 
  • Assign EE resources to programs and IPTs based on skillset, workload, and priority. 
  • Ensure delivery of EE architectures, schematics, harness designs, power budgets, and integration documentation. 
  • Support IPT standups and cross-functional coordination, escalating electrical risks early. 
  • Provide senior technical guidance on architecture decisions, component trades, and risk mitigation. 
  • Oversee design reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR, TRR), ensuring rigor, completeness, and configuration control. 
  • Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace standards (AS9100, DO-160, MIL-STD-704/461). 
  • Guide root-cause analysis and corrective actions for electrical issues in integration, test, or production. 
  • Identify and drive capability improvements in tools, processes, and test infrastructure. 
  • Contribute to proposals by providing EE architectures, cost/schedule inputs, and staffing plans. 

Qualifications 

Basic expectations for this role include a minimum of:

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline. 
  • 8+ years of experience designing and delivering electrical systems for aerospace, defense, or complex hardware products. 
  • 2+ years of technical leadership experience (team lead, supervisor, or engineering manager). 
  • Strong expertise in electrical system architecture, power distribution, harnessing, or embedded electronics. 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment. 
  • Experience working within a structured engineering framework (requirements, V&V, configuration management). 

Our ideal candidate has:

  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering. 
  • Prior experience in UAS, missiles, loitering munitions, or safety-critical avionics. 
  • Familiarity with Altium, Cameo MBSE, DO-178/254, FMEA/FMECA, and environmental testing. 
  • Experience collaborating with manufacturing teams in a vertically integrated environment. 

Pay range for this role

$175,000 - $195,000 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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