---
title: 'Director, Business Development - Land Warfare & Air Defense at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/director-business-development-land-warfare-air-defense-zone-5-technologies-3byf8mq8q9rh'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-03'
---

# Director, Business Development - Land Warfare & Air Defense at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** Arlington, VA / Fort Worth, TX / San Luis Obispo, CA / United States
- **Compensation:** $138k–$178k
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-11-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5470420008

## Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in precision weapons and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Our team of engineers and innovators are developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions to deliver affordable and scalable precision weapons, interceptors, and UAS.

We're building the next generation of munitions and unmanned systems for the United States and its allies. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on defense technology, you belong here.

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a technically grounded Director of Business Development to lead the company's land warfare and air defense business for ground forces: counter-UAS, short-range air defense (SHORAD), close air support (CAS), and precision ground attack, anchored by the WHITE SPIKE counter-UAS interceptor and ground and surface-attack missile, the PEACEMAKER counter-UAS and multi-mission UAS, and the ECLIPSE counter-UAS and multi-mission UAS. This role is built for a U.S. Army or U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) ground-combat or attack aviation professional: an Air Defense Artillery (ADA), field artillery, or maneuver officer; a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Forward Air Controller (FAC), or Fire Support Officer (FSO); an AH-64 Apache or AH-1Z Viper attack pilot or Gray Eagle operator who has employed AGM-114 Hellfire and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) in support of ground forces; a Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI); or a counter-UAS and air-to-ground weapons acquisition and test leader who can speak fluently to layered base and maneuver-force defense, kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, command and control (C2) and sensor integration, and program-of-record pathways because they have fielded, tested, or operated these systems, not simply sold around them. Operational experience employing counter-UAS systems or air-to-ground missiles in combat or in large-force exercises is strongly desired in addition to the technical and acquisition background described below.

The Director will own the domestic land warfare and air defense pursuit portfolio, engaging directly with U.S. Army and USMC requirements owners, program offices, joint counter-UAS organizations, operational and test organizations, and government-funded research and development (R&D) organizations, and will serve as the senior technical sales authority and point of contact as relationships mature into substantive capability and integration discussions. This individual's operational and engineering credibility will be leveraged to strengthen capture strategy and proposal development, ensuring technical narratives are accurate, defensible, and compelling. The role requires close, sustained cross-functional integration to keep messaging, positioning, and pursuit strategy aligned across the company.

The Director is the accountable owner of the land warfare and air defense pipeline: the Director sets probability of win (Pwin) and probability of go (Pgo) assessments, makes bid/no-bid recommendations directly to executive leadership, serves as capture lead with direction over the proposal and technical staff assigned to each pursuit, and is the company's accountable voice to U.S. Army and USMC customers for this portfolio. Within 24 months, the Director is expected to have advanced at least one WHITE SPIKE, PEACEMAKER, or ECLIPSE pursuit to a funded program-of-record transition or production contract with the U.S. Army or USMC and to have secured Zone 5 Technologies participation in at least one Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), Army, or USMC counter-UAS, air defense, or attack aviation experimentation or live-fire campaign.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Business Development and Capture Leadership

- Own the land warfare and air defense opportunity pipeline, Pwin assessments, and Pgo assessments from identification through award; set pursuit priorities, capture strategy, and bid/no-bid recommendations for executive leadership.
- Serve as the subject matter expert on counter-UAS, SHORAD, CAS, and precision ground attack for ground forces, translating WHITE SPIKE, PEACEMAKER, and ECLIPSE into terms relevant to U.S. Army and USMC requirements, concepts of operations (CONOPS), tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP), force-protection and maneuver-force air defense architectures, attack aviation and UAS weapons integration, and program-of-record maturation paths.
- Engage directly with U.S. Army requirements, acquisition, and test stakeholders, including JIATF-401, the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space and its counter-UAS, Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC), and Joint Attack Munition Systems (JAMS) project offices (AGM-114 Hellfire and JAGM), PEO Aviation (Apache and Gray Eagle weapons integration), Army Transformation and Training Command (T2COM), the Fires Center of Excellence (FCoE) and ADA School at Fort Sill, the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) at Fort Benning, the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Army Applications Laboratory (AAL), U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), Redstone Test Center (RTC), and the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) counter-UAS experimentation enterprise.
- Engage directly with USMC requirements, acquisition, and test stakeholders, including Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL), Combat Development and Integration (CD&I) and the Capabilities Development Directorate, Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), PEO Land Systems and the Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) program, including Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) and Light-MADIS (L-MADIS), MAWTS-1 at Yuma, Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group (MCTOG), the Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) battalions, I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and III MEF, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, and Camp Pendleton.
- Engage joint and special operations stakeholders, including U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) and the SOF Counter-Unmanned Systems (SOF CUxS) enterprise, joint program offices, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and government-funded R&D organizations, including service laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), to identify emerging requirements and shape early opportunity development.
- Build and sustain relationships with operational, technical, and program stakeholders that position Zone 5 Technologies as a credible, informed partner rather than a transactional vendor.
- Track and interpret evolving adversary threats, including Group 1 through 3 UAS and one-way attack (OWA) munition employment, doctrine, force design, and acquisition strategy relevant to land-force counter-UAS, SHORAD, attack aviation, and precision ground attack.

International Sales Support

- Provide senior technical sales expertise to the international business development team, supporting partner-nation army, land-force, and army aviation engagements as they progress beyond introductory conversations into substantive Letter of Request (LOR), request for proposal (RFP), and integration discussions, especially those involving unique CONOPS or integration with non-U.S. C2, radar, vehicle, or rotary-wing platforms.
- Partner with international sales to tailor technical positioning of WHITE SPIKE, PEACEMAKER, and ECLIPSE to partner-nation land-force requirements, threat environments, and export considerations.

Proposal and Capture Execution

- Leverage operational and engineering background to lead technical volume development, win themes, and discriminator articulation on proposals across domestic and international pursuits.
- Serve as capture lead, directing proposal writers and technical contributors to ensure technical accuracy, credibility, and consistency across proposal, white paper, and request for information (RFI) and RFP responses.
- Lead development of technical exchange meetings (TEMs), capability briefings, and government stakeholder demonstrations, including live-fire, operational assessment, and joint counter-UAS experimentation events.

Cross-Functional Integration

- Maintain close, ongoing coordination with portfolio and engineering leadership to ensure business development activity reflects current product maturity, roadmap, and technical constraints.
- Partner with marketing on the development of technically accurate capability collateral, briefing materials, and messaging for land warfare, air defense, and attack aviation audiences.
- Coordinate with international sales leadership to align technical engagement strategy with country-level pursuit plans and export posture.

## REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Prior U.S. Army or USMC service (uniformed or civilian) in a land warfare or attack aviation role with direct counter-UAS, SHORAD, CAS, or air-to-ground missile exposure: ADA, field artillery, or maneuver; FSO, JTAC, or FAC; AH-64, AH-1Z, or Gray Eagle weapons employment; MAWTS-1 WTI; or a counter-UAS or air-to-ground weapons program office, test and evaluation, systems engineering, or operational fielding role. Operational employment experience in combat or large-force exercises is strongly desired.
- Deep technical understanding of the missions of interest to U.S. Army and USMC audiences: counter-UAS detect, track, identify, and defeat chains; SHORAD and maneuver-force air defense; CAS and joint fires; precision ground attack with AGM-114 Hellfire and JAGM-class weapons; kinetic, electronic warfare (EW), high-power microwave (HPM), and directed energy (DE) effectors; and integration with Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) C2, Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), and Team Awareness Kit (TAK), derived from a genuine operational and engineering background, not solely a sales career.
- Working knowledge of weapons integration and certification standards for ground-launched and rotary-wing and UAS-launched effectors: MIL-STD-1760 aircraft and store electrical interconnection, MIL-STD-1553 data bus, MIL-STD-3014 Universal Armament Interface (UAI), MIL-STD-1316 fuze safety, MIL-STD-2105 insensitive munitions and hazard assessment, MIL-STD-882 system safety, MIL-STD-810 environmental and MIL-STD-461 electromagnetic compatibility testing, MIL-STD-6016 Link 16 and Cursor-on-Target (CoT) messaging, and the airworthiness release process for Army and USMC rotary-wing and UAS platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate credibly with engineers, program managers, and operators on system performance, integration, and employment considerations, and to brief at the general officer and Senior Executive Service (SES) level.
- Exceptional writing skills: demonstrated ability to produce clear, precise, and persuasive technical prose, including proposal volumes, white papers, capability statements, and correspondence for general officer, flag officer, and SES audiences, with minimal editing. Writing samples will be requested.
- Experience leading or writing technical content for proposals, capture efforts, or government-facing technical documentation; familiarity with Other Transaction Authority (OTA), Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA), and traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) pathways.
- Ability to travel 25 to 50 percent, domestically and internationally, to support client engagement, demonstrations, and industry events.
- Active U.S. Secret clearance required.

## PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
- Direct engineering, test, or operational experience with fielded land-force counter-UAS, SHORAD, and air-to-ground systems: the Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS), MADIS and L-MADIS, Coyote, FAAD C2, IFPC, Maneuver-SHORAD (M-SHORAD), Stinger-based systems, AGM-114 Hellfire, JAGM, or Gray Eagle and Apache weapons integration; or with loitering munition and OWA systems.
- Operational deployment experience defending ground forces or fixed sites against Group 1 through 3 UAS and OWA threats, or delivering CAS and precision ground attack in support of maneuver forces.
- Graduate of the MAWTS-1 WTI course, the Army Aviation Tactics Instructor course, the Joint Firepower Course, or the ADA Captains Career Course; or graduate of the U.S. Army Experimental Test Pilot program or U.S. Navy (USN) Test Pilot School (TPS).
- Prior experience engaging government-funded R&D organizations, service laboratories, FFRDCs, or UARCs on emerging weapons system requirements.
- Experience supporting international or Foreign Military Sales (FMS) engagements alongside a business development team.
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering, systems, or physical science discipline; advanced degree a plus.
- Previous employment with DIU focused on counter-UAS or UAS systems.
- Previous employment within U.S. Army operational units (ADA, field artillery, maneuver, or attack aviation), operational test, developmental test, or rapid acquisition organizations: JIATF-401, RCCTO, PEO Missiles and Space counter-UAS, IFPC, and JAMS project offices, PEO Aviation, FCoE and ADA School, AAL, DEVCOM AvMC, RTC, or the YPG counter-UAS experimentation enterprise.
- Previous employment within USMC operational units (LAAD battalions, artillery regiments, infantry battalions, or attack helicopter squadrons), MCWL, CD&I, MARCORSYSCOM, PEO Land Systems GBAD, MAWTS-1, MCTOG, or the MADIS integration enterprise.
- USSOCOM SOF CUxS enterprise or Army Special Operations ground-force protection experience.

## CORE COMPETENCIES

- Technical credibility: speaks the language of engineers and operators, not just program managers and contracting officers.
- Relationship building: establishes trust quickly with operational, technical, and program stakeholders across the services, R&D organizations, and partner nations.
- Cross-functional leadership: operates fluidly across portfolio, engineering, marketing, and international sales without losing message discipline, and sets direction for supporting business development and capture staff.
- Exceptional writing: produces clear, precise, decision-quality prose for proposals, white papers, and executive correspondence with minimal editing.
- Verbal communication: briefs general and flag officers, SES leaders, and partner-nation delegations with precision and brevity.

This role is eligible for performance bonuses in addition to the base salary.

Pay range for this role (base salary)

$138,000 — $178,000 USD

Pay range with eligible performance bonuses

$241,500 – $311,500 USDUSD with eligible performance bonuses. Bonus components are variable and not guaranteed. Pay range for this role $138,000—$178,000 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

- [Director, Business Development - Air & Strike Warfare](https://feeny.ai/job/director-business-development-air-strike-warfare-zone-5-technologies-arlington-y5xe5e82b641) — Arlington, VA / Fort Walton Beach, FL / San Luis Obispo, CA / United States
- [Director, Business Development - Europe](https://feeny.ai/job/director-business-development-europe-zone-5-technologies-arlington-m16nv4cj5q1t) — Arlington, VA / United States
- [Industrial Security Analyst II/III](https://feeny.ai/job/industrial-security-analyst-ii-iii-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-mvz3yxf6cpb5) — San Luis Obispo, CA
- [Production Supervisor I/II - Paso](https://feeny.ai/job/production-supervisor-i-ii-paso-zone-5-technologies-paso-robles-bbpv5t339abw) — Paso Robles, CA
- [UAV Avionics Assembler IV](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-avionics-assembler-iv-zone-5-technologies-paso-robles-t0zmfrxsthbx) — Paso Robles, CA
- [Sr. Systems Reliability Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-systems-reliability-engineer-zone-5-technologies-united-states-a2p3hdrjt6zt) — United States
- [Crew Chief - Flight Test](https://feeny.ai/job/crew-chief-flight-test-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-r4hk5k2ab1tg) — San Luis Obispo, CA
- [UAV Avionics Assembler IV](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-avionics-assembler-iv-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-740tz5tjgh88) — San Luis Obispo, CA
- [Senior Proposal Writer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-proposal-writer-zone-5-technologies-united-states-hg89r3p21808) — United States
- [Manufacturing Engineer I/II - 2nd Shift](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-engineer-i-ii-2nd-shift-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-949b4ms2tcb9) — San Luis Obispo, CA