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Systems Integration & Test 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.

At Zone 5 Technologies, we rapidly develop and field advanced unmanned aircraft systems through disciplined integration, testing, and block upgrade strategies.  We are seeking a Systems Integration & Test Manager to architect and lead a cross-disciplinary engineering team responsible for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) integration, configuration control, and structured feature validation prior to flight.


This role will build the technical and procedural backbone that allows software, avionics, mechanical, and environmental subsystems to integrate predictably and transition cleanly into aircraft production.

Responsibilities


HITL Architecture & Integration Environment

  • Architect and maintain a flight-representative HITL environment
  • Define hardware and software integration standards
  • Ensure coexistence between hardware platforms and software feature development
  • Establish component-level integration workflows (e.g., radar altimeter, avionics modules)
  • Validate signals, timing, interfaces, compatibility and performance prior to aircraft installation


Feature On-Ramp & Block Upgrade Strategy

  • Define readiness criteria for transitioning features from HITL to aircraft
  • Develop structured ground test campaigns
  • Create block upgrade roadmaps for production aircraft
  • Coordinate with software and flight test leadership for release planning


Configuration Control & Systems Engineering

  • Establish configuration management processes for HITL and aircraft baselines
  • Control hardware revisions, firmware versions, and software baselines
  • Implement traceability between requirements, test cases, and system outputs
  • Develop and enforce integration and verification procedures

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

  • Manage a team of mechanical, avionics, and software integration engineers
  • Coordinate closely with core Software, GNC, Avionics, Electrical Engineering and production teams
  • Drive technical reviews, design readiness reviews, and integration reviews
  • Mentor engineers in systems thinking and disciplined integration practices


Ground Test & Validation

  • Lead structured ground test campaigns
  • Define data collection and validation methods
  • Identify risks prior to flight integration
  • Ensure safe and repeatable test execution

    Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
  • 8–12+ years of experience in aerospace systems integration and testing
  • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams
  • Strong understanding of avionics integration, signal timing, and embedded systems
  • Experience with HITL environments and system-level validation
  • Familiarity with configuration management tools and processes Preferred
  • Experience using CAMEO Systems Modeler for system architecture development, requirements traceability, interface definition, and configuration control
  • Experience in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) development and integration
  • Strong background in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
  • Experience transitioning development features into production block upgrades with structured release management
  • Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink-based architectures, including model validation and code generation workflows
  • Experience with VxWorks-based embedded systems and real-time software integration

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 
  • 3 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 40 hours of sick time
  • 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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