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Developmental Test 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.

As our programs scale, so does the need for disciplined, repeatable developmental testing. We are seeking a Developmental Test Engineering Manager to lead and grow this capability across multiple programs.

 

About the Job

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking an experienced Developmental Test Engineering Manager to lead our developmental test organization supporting advanced counter-UAS and missile systems for U.S. Department of Defense programs.

This role blends technical depth with people leadership and organizational ownership. The Developmental Test Engineering Manager is responsible for ensuring test activities mature designs, mitigate risk, and generate high-quality data that informs qualification and design integration of our products.

 

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Developmental Test Engineers and technicians across multiple programs.

· Own the developmental test strategy, ensuring appropriate coverage across structural, dynamic, functional, and environmental domains.

· Establish and maintain standards for test planning, procedure quality, execution discipline, data integrity, and reporting.

· Review and approve test plans, procedures, and results to ensure technical rigor, safety, and alignment with program objectives.

· Partner with design and systems engineering to translate requirements, risks, and anomalies into executable test campaigns.

· Oversee qualification and compliance testing activities in accordance with applicable military and industry standards.

· Manage relationships with external test facilities and vendors to ensure schedule alignment and test fidelity.

· Ensure test infrastructure, tooling, instrumentation, and automation capabilities evolve to meet program needs.

· Communicate test status, findings, and residual risk clearly to engineering leadership and program stakeholders.

· Balance technical rigor, schedule pressure, and resource constraints through sound engineering judgment.

· Manage staffing, hiring, and workload forecasting to support both near-term execution and long-term capability growth.

· Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the test organization.

 

Ideal Candidate Profile:

· 8+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems engineering, with significant experience in developmental testing.

· Demonstrated experience leading engineers or technical teams in test, verification, or qualification environments.

· Strong working knowledge of MIL-STD-810 and related qualification standards; familiarity with EMI/EMC testing is preferred.

· Proven ability to assess system-level risk and translate it into effective test strategies.

· Comfortable reviewing detailed technical work and making decisions without being the primary test operator.

· Experience supporting DoD RDT&E programs, missile systems, guided munitions, or small UAS platforms is highly desirable.

· Clear communicator capable of conveying technical findings and tradeoffs to diverse stakeholders.

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).

Pay range for this role

$175,000 - $200,000 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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