--- title: 'Configuration Management Site Lead at Zone 5 Technologies' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/configuration-management-site-lead-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-560pjf115gj5' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-13' --- # Configuration Management Site Lead at Zone 5 Technologies - **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies - **Location:** San Luis Obispo, CA - **Compensation:** $125k–$148k - **Posted:** 2026-09-24 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-13 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5433776008 ## Job description 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. Position Overview The Configuration Management Site Lead/Supervisor reports to the Senior Configuration Manager and serves as the local extension of enterprise CM leadership at an assigned operating site. This position leads and governs Configuration Management activities throughout the product lifecycle, supervises CM personnel, coordinates site workload, and ensures site execution aligns with enterprise policies, program objectives, contractual requirements, and industry standards. Operating with minimal supervision, the Site Lead/Supervisor partners with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations, Software, and Program Management to maintain configuration integrity from concept and development through production, delivery, and sustainment. This position also represents the CDM function to leadership, customers, government representatives, suppliers, and auditors. The Day-to-Day - Supervise site CM personnel by assigning work, setting priorities, monitoring performance, providing technical direction, and supporting employee development. - Serve as the primary site authority for hardware, software, firmware, documentation, and product-data configuration management while representing enterprise CM direction at the local level. - Provide recurring site and program status to the Senior Configuration Manager, including baseline health, change activity, implementation progress, audit readiness, data integrity, staffing and workload, performance metrics, risks, and decisions requiring escalation. - Lead configuration identification, baseline management, change control, configuration status accounting, data management, implementation verification, product release, and configuration audits. - Participate in enterprise CM reviews, planning, process standardization, and continuous-improvement activities; implement enterprise direction at the site and elevate local issues for resolution. - Coordinate site CM staffing, schedules, resources, and deliverables while escalating risks, constraints, and compliance concerns to leadership. - Lead CM support for proposals and program planning by reviewing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Statements of Work (SOWs), contracts, specifications, and technical requirements. - Define CM scope, deliverables, staffing, schedules, risks, and defensible Bases of Estimate (BOEs) for hardware, software, firmware, and data-management activities. - Evaluate prime and subcontract documentation to identify CM responsibilities, risks, dependencies, and required flow-downs-even when CM is not explicitly identified. - Ensure alignment and traceability among requirements, drawings, specifications, engineering and manufacturing bills of material, software baselines, work instructions, manufacturing records, and delivered configurations. - Lead or support Configuration Control Boards (CCBs) and Software Configuration Control Boards (SCCBs), ensuring changes are evaluated, approved, implemented, verified, and incorporated into affected baselines and records. - Oversee the effective use of PLM, PDM, ERP, MES, QMS, requirements-management, and software-development systems to strengthen data governance and digital-thread continuity. ## Basic Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in engineering, systems engineering, business, information management, or a related field is preferred. - Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in configuration management, engineering, product data management, or manufacturing within aerospace, defense, or another regulated industry. - Minimum of two years of leadership or supervisory experience, including assigning work, establishing priorities, mentoring personnel, and managing performance. - Experience applying configuration management principles across hardware, software, firmware, documentation, and integrated systems. - Ability to interpret contracts, RFPs, SOWs, specifications, technical requirements, and supplier flow-down requirements. - Working knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including EIA-649, AS9100, ISO 9001, MIL-HDBK-61, ITAR, and EAR. - Strong leadership, communication, organization, decision-making, and cross-functional problem-solving skills. - U.S. citizenship is required. - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance is required. ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience supervising CM personnel in a multi-program or multi-site organization. - Systems-thinking skills and experience supporting integrated hardware, software, firmware, requirements, and manufacturing data. - Knowledge of systems engineering processes, technical reviews, product-development lifecycles, production readiness, and sustainment. - Experience developing proposal inputs, staffing plans, schedules, work breakdown structures, and BOEs. - Experience supporting government contracts, customer audits, and contractual data deliveries. - Experience with SolidWorks PDM or comparable PLM/PDM platforms. - Experience implementing CM metrics, process automation, or digital-thread improvements. - Professional certification or formal training in Configuration Management, Systems Engineering, quality management, or project management is preferred. Pay range for this role $125,000—$148,000 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. ## About Zone 5 Technologies ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Zone 5 Technologies develops advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and next-generation munitions for U.S. Department of Defense customers, with a focus on modular, open-architecture designs and rapid prototyping. - **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace; prior to acquisition was privately held) - **Headquarters**: San Luis Obispo, California, United States - **Founded**: 2011 - **Founders**: Not publicly available ## Core Business - **Primary Industry**: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; Defense Technology - **Target Customers**: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and allied military forces (B2G) - **Mission Statement**: "Create the future" – focused on enabling modularity, collaboration, and rapid deployment of unmanned systems and munitions. ## Products & Services - **Paladin UAS**: A multi-mission, TAK-integrated unmanned aircraft system that serves as an autonomous wingman. Capabilities include counter-UAS interception, precision munitions drop, and rifle takedowns. Listed on the DIU Blue UAS Refresh list, ensuring NDAA compliance and cybersecurity. (Hardware + Software) - **White Spike Interceptor**: A modular, open-C2 missile and launcher system available in surface‑ and air‑launched configurations. Designed for counter-UAS and precision strike missions. (Hardware + Software) - **Air Launched Effects (ALE)**: Low‑cost, digitally engineered effects for affordable mass and precision strike from mobility, bomber, and tactical aircraft. (Hardware + Software) - **Next‑Gen Munitions**: Low‑cost containerized missile systems, including the Extended Range Attack Munition. (Hardware) - **Engineering Services / R&D**: End‑to‑end system development including CONOPS, vehicle design, avionics, embedded hardware/software, ground control stations, and mission planning software. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (acquired by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace) - **Key Metric**: Total headcount of 183 (LinkedIn, 2026‑07), representing +241.1% year‑over‑year growth - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (acquirer); DIU (multiple contract awards); U.S. Air Force - **Growth Signals**: - 241% headcount growth in the last year - Selected for multiple DoD/DIU programs: Blue UAS Refresh, Low‑Cost Containerized Missiles, Counter UAS Next, Extended Range Attack Munition, Enterprise Test Vehicle - 108 active job postings (260% year‑over‑year increase) - 13,284 LinkedIn followers (+62% yearly) ## Competitive Advantages - **Vertical Integration**: Concept‑to‑production capability – design, manufacturing, testing, and sustainment in‑house. - **Open Systems / Modularity**: MOSA/WOSA architectures enable rapid adaptation of vehicles, sensors, and weapons. - **Blue UAS Listing**: Provides an Authority to Operate (ATO) for all DoD operators, a key differentiator for government contracts. - **Flight‑Proven Hardware**: Paladin and White Spike have undergone extensive flight testing (SIL, HIL, flight tests). - **Agile Prototyping**: Low‑cost, digitally engineered designs allow for fast iteration and unit‑cost discipline. ## Strategic Focus - **Expanding DoD & Allied Contracts**: Leveraging recent DIU and Air Force wins to secure production orders for Paladin, White Spike, and missile systems. - **Scaling Workforce & Capabilities**: Rapid hiring across engineering (GNC, embedded, avionics, flight test) to support increasing program loads. - **International Expansion**: Acquisition by Kongsberg may open access to NATO and allied markets. - **Next‑Gen Munitions**: Emphasis on affordable mass – developing low‑cost missiles for high‑volume procurement. ## Why Work Here - **Culture & Ratings**: Employer rating 4.2/5 on LinkedIn (based on 8 reviews); Work‑Life 4.0, Compensation 3.6, Culture 3.4, Career 3.8. - **Growth Opportunity**: 108 open positions across software, hardware, flight test, and manufacturing – strong upward mobility in a rapidly expanding company. - **Technical Environment**: Tech stack includes Python, MATLAB, C++, CUDA, PyTorch, Docker, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, React, GitLab, Jenkins, and more – modern engineering tools. - **Mission‑Driven Work**: Directly contribute to defense technology that is fielded today (Blue UAS, interceptor programs). - **Location**: San Luis Obispo, CA – a vibrant college town near the Central Coast with outdoor lifestyle. - **Hybrid/Remote**: Not specifically stated; most roles appear on‑site at one of three U.S. offices (San Luis Obispo, Fort Walton Beach FL, Fort Worth TX). ## Sources 1. [LinkedIn – Zone 5 Technologies](https://www.linkedin.com/company/zone-5-technologies) 2. [Company Website – zone5tech.com](https://www.zone5tech.com/) 3. [Greenhouse Careers Page](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies) 4. [robotics.press – Company Profile](https://robotics.press/news/zone-5-technologies-company-profile/) 5. [YouTube – Zone 5 Technologies](https://www.youtube.com/@Zone5Technologies) ## Other roles at Zone 5 Technologies - [Manufacturing Engineer I/II](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-engineer-i-ii-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-j2zfb9ggrja8) — San Luis Obispo, CA - [Loads Engineer - Weapon Performance IV/V](https://feeny.ai/job/loads-engineer-weapon-performance-iv-v-zone-5-technologies-united-states-rcjwmsk0ckny) — United States - [Loads Engineer - Weapon Performance IV/V](https://feeny.ai/job/loads-engineer-weapon-performance-iv-v-zone-5-technologies-fort-walton-beach-mwy56jk5ac85) — Fort Walton Beach, FL - [Loads Engineer - Weapon Performance IV/V](https://feeny.ai/job/loads-engineer-weapon-performance-iv-v-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-vkykmhmya4tz) — Fort Worth, TX - [Loads Engineer - Weapon Performance IV/V](https://feeny.ai/job/loads-engineer-weapon-performance-iv-v-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-fzq5ah8by55w) — San Luis Obispo, CA - [UAV Avionics Assembler II](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-avionics-assembler-ii-zone-5-technologies-paso-robles-8g4x4h5dkvm7) — Paso Robles, CA - [UAV Avionics Assembler II](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-avionics-assembler-ii-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-073xxdgmkp4t) — San Luis Obispo, CA - [UAV Avionics Assembler I](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-avionics-assembler-i-zone-5-technologies-paso-robles-cmbbpmf89ayv) — Paso Robles, CA - [UAV Avionics Assembler I](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-avionics-assembler-i-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-hv7zavf6r3mw) — San Luis Obispo, CA - [Lead MDAO Engineer - Weapon Performance](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-mdao-engineer-weapon-performance-zone-5-technologies-united-states-92xyxvw3qrsy) — United States