Back to jobs

Software Engineer V/VI

Fort Worth, Texas

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.

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're pioneering the next generation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) — delivering affordable, high-performance, flight-proven platforms that redefine defense capabilities. From air-launched effects and open interceptor systems like White Spike to advanced autonomy and mission-critical software, our work directly shapes multi-domain operations for demanding government customers. We're scaling rapidly (recently acquired by KONGSBERG and growing fast), and we're seeking elite software engineering talent to architect and deliver the high-reliability, safety-critical software that powers these groundbreaking systems. If you're a battle-tested senior engineer who thrives on owning complex domains, mentoring high-performing teams, driving technical excellence in regulated aerospace/defense environments, and solving problems where failure is not an option — this is your opportunity to leave a lasting mark on next-generation flight and strike capabilities.

We're looking for a principal-level C#/.NET software engineer (with strong embedded or real-time systems depth) ready to lead the design and evolution of complex, high-assurance software for autonomous UAS platforms in the aerospace and defense sector. Key

Responsibilities

  • Lead the architecture, design, implementation, and verification of embedded and application-level software for high-reliability, safety-critical UAS systems — from flight controls and mission autonomy to ground station integration and real-time data processing.
  • Own end-to-end technical ownership of major software components or subsystems, driving decisions on technology stack, performance optimization, fault tolerance, and certification pathways (DO-178C familiarity a strong plus).
  • Collaborate deeply with systems, hardware, GNC, flight test, and cybersecurity teams to define requirements, resolve cross-domain challenges, and integrate software into full-system flight demonstrations.
  • Champion modern development excellence: architect and evolve CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions + AWS), automated testing frameworks, build systems, and deployment strategies for cloud-edge hybrid environments.
  • Mentor and guide mid-level and senior engineers, conduct in-depth code/design reviews, establish best practices, and foster a culture of rigorous, high-quality engineering in a fast-paced environment.
  • Contribute to strategic technical roadmaps, evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., real-time middleware, model-based design, AI/ML integration for autonomy), and influence product direction for long-range strike, counter-UAS, and multi-domain systems.
  • Support qualification, certification, and airworthiness processes through rigorous verification, validation, and documentation in compliance with defense and aerospace standards.

Qualifications

  • 8–15+ years of professional software engineering experience, with significant time spent on complex, high-reliability or safety-critical systems (aerospace, defense, automotive, medical devices, or similar strongly preferred).
  • Deep expertise in C# (preferred) and strong proficiency in additional languages such as C/C++, Python, or Matlab/Simulink for real-time/embedded/model-based workflows.
  • Proven track record designing and delivering real-time embedded software, flight-critical applications, autonomy stacks, or mission systems for UAS, drones, robotics, or related platforms.
  • Advanced hands-on mastery of Git/GitHub workflows at scale, Visual Studio, and scripting/automation (Bash, PowerShell, Python) for build/deploy/test pipelines.
  • Strong experience building and optimizing CI/CD systems (GitHub Actions required; Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar a plus) and deploying/managing software in AWS or hybrid cloud environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives, influence architecture across teams, and deliver under aggressive schedules in regulated industries.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills — able to distill complex technical concepts for cross-functional stakeholders and drive consensus on tough trade-offs.
  • U.S. person status required (ability to obtain and maintain security clearance preferred; existing clearance a significant advantage).

 

#LI-BC1

 

Pay range for this role

$180,000 - $250,000 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.

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at Zone 5 Technologies? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Select...
Select...
Select...

General industry, no specifics. Example: aerospace, defense, infrastructure, etc.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zone 5 Technologies’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.