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Crew Chief - Flight Test

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.

We are seeking an experienced Crew Chief to provide maintenance support for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other related DoD based projects. Zone 5 maintains a weekly flight test cadence at test ranges local to the San Luis Obispo, CA area. In addition, there will be occasional flight test demonstration events at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support. Flight maintenance requires significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions.

Key Responsibility

  • Aircraft Servicing 
    Perform routine pre-flight and post-flight inspections, fueling, Flight Control Rigging, and servicing tasks to ensure aircraft are safe and mission-ready. 
  • Packout Support 
    Prepare and transport test equipment, spares, and tools required for flight test operations, both on-site and at remote locations. 
  • Vehicle Maintenance 
    Conduct basic maintenance and servicing of support vehicles to ensure reliable ground transportation during test activities. 
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE) 
    Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot ground support systems (Aircraft support equipment, towing equipment, etc.) critical to test operations. 
  • Camera Equipment Setup & Maintenance 
    Install, configure, and maintain airborne and ground-based camera systems used for flight test data capture. 
  • Weight & Balance 
    Assist with aircraft weight and balance calculations, ensuring proper loading for safe and compliant flight operations. 
  • Trailer Loading & Weight Distribution 
    Apply proper load distribution practices to trailers during pack out and transport, maintaining safety, balance, and compliance with road regulations. 
  • Prepare and execute ground and flight test operations for unmanned aircraft systems, including pre-flight and post-flight inspections. 
  • Support integration of avionics, propulsion, payloads, and autonomy systems onto UAV platforms. 
  • Operate ground control stations (GCS) and monitor flight telemetry during test missions under engineer or pilot supervision. 
  • Perform troubleshooting, corrective maintenance, and hardware swaps during rapid test cycles. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

  • Associate’s degree in Aerospace, Avionics, Electrical, or Mechanical Technology, or equivalent hands-on training, or A&P Mechanic’s License 
  • 3+ years of experience in UAV operations, Military or General Aviation aircraft service, maintenance, or defense flight test environments,  
  • Knowledge of aircraft subsystems: avionics, flight controls, telemetry, propulsion. 
  • Familiarity with flight line operations and ground support equipment (GSE). 
  • Ability to read and interpret basic wiring diagrams, schematics, and test documentation. 
  • Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs and working in outdoor field test conditions. 
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%

Preferred: 

  • Experience supporting DoD UAV platforms or autonomous aircraft. 
  • Knowledge of data acquisition and telemetry systems. 

Pay range for this role

$80,000 - $115,000 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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