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Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

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.

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead out team of engineers in the design, analysis, and development of air vehicle mechanical hardware.  The successful candidate will oversee a mechanical engineering team, manage projects, promote design quality standards, and drive innovation in mechanical design and analysis.  This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and effective communication to deliver high-quality solutions in support of Zone 5's growing UAS development needs.  This position will work on-site in San Luis Obispo, CA at our Headquarters. 

Position Summary  

As a Mechanical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of engineers in designing, analyzing, and developing UAS mechanical solutions, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project requirements. You will also be a working manager, contributing at the individual mechanical engineering level as well as in a management capacity. Reporting to the Director of Hardware Engineering, you will lead one of several mechanical engineering teams, accountable for your team's people, quality, and execution from early concept work through design reviews and delivery, while partnering with peer managers to grow the discipline's shared methods, tools, and standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mechanical engineering, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in tools like ANSYS and SolidWorks (preferred), with a focus on driving technical excellence and project success.

Responsibilities:

 

  • Manage and grow a team of mechanical engineers — hiring, mentoring, professional development, and succession planning — fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Ensure the correct and consistent application of mechanical design methodologies, processes, tools, and standards within your team, and contribute to their continued development across the discipline.
  • Ensure your engineers are trained, equipped, and supported to do high-quality work, and be accountable for the quality of your team's mechanical design, analysis, and documentation.
  • Staff and balance your engineers across concept development efforts and program teams based on skills, availability, and development needs, in coordination with hardware leadership and peer managers.
  • Contribute hands-on as a working manager — mechanical design, analysis, and test at the individual-contributor level.
  • Support early concept development with feasibility assessments, initial sizing, and reuse-versus-new recommendations that put programs on sound technical footing.
  • Review designs and analyses at milestone design reviews to confirm integrity and performance against approved requirements and design baselines.
  • Uphold disciplined change management, ensuring departures from approved designs are reviewed and approved before implementation.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally — systems, software, test, manufacturing, and supply chain — to integrate mechanical designs into complete air vehicles, and communicate technical requirements and progress to stakeholders.
  • Capture lessons learned from completed programs and help fold them back into discipline processes, standards, and training.

Required Qualifications:

 

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • 7+ years of experience as a mechanical or structural engineer, including 2+ in a leadership or supervisory role
  • Proficiency in CAD systems, including 3D modeling and drawing generation
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  • Proficiency in mechanical analysis methods and tools
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field  
  • Experience with Group 1-4 UAS systems engineering  
  • Direct experience and proficiency in mentoring and training junior engineers 
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks 

Pay range for this role

$187,000 - $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 
  • 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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