---
title: 'Electrical Engineering Manager at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineering-manager-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-dmzeqy8r6wpw'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-10'
---

# Electrical Engineering Manager at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** Fort Worth, TX / San Luis Obispo, CA
- **Compensation:** $147k–$243k
- **Posted:** 2026-11-06
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-10
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5475154008

## 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.

## Overview

Join our team at Zone 5 Technologies as an Electrical Engineering Manager, where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive us to pioneer advancements in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo, California, we're seeking talented individuals to join our growing team and contribute to managing the technical development of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

## About Us

At Zone 5 Technologies, we thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineering Manager manages a team of Zone 5 electrical and avionics engineers, owning capability development, technical excellence, functional wellbeing, and staffing across multiple programs and IPTs.

This role ensures the electrical engineering discipline consistently delivers high-quality architectures, hardware, and integration support while maintaining the speed, rigor, and safety required for aerospace and weapons-system development.

You will partner closely across Programs, Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure electrical engineering supports program execution while proactively developing the processes, tools, and people required to scale.

## Responsibilities

- Lead, mentor, and develop Electrical Engineers across all levels, ensuring strong technical capability and functional wellbeing.
- Define and maintain EE discipline standards, design practices, and verification methods.
- Assign EE resources to programs and IPTs based on skillset, workload, and priority.
- Ensure delivery of EE architectures, schematics, harness designs, power budgets, and integration documentation.
- Support IPT standups and cross-functional coordination, escalating electrical risks early.
- Provide senior technical guidance on architecture decisions, component trades, and risk mitigation.
- Oversee design reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR, TRR), ensuring rigor, completeness, and configuration control.
- Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace standards (AS9100, DO-160, MIL-STD-704/461).
- Guide root-cause analysis and corrective actions for electrical issues in integration, test, or production.
- Identify and drive capability improvements in tools, processes, and test infrastructure.
- Contribute to proposals by providing EE architectures, cost/schedule inputs, and staffing plans.

## Qualifications

Basic expectations for this role include a minimum of,

- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
- 8+ years of experience designing and delivering electrical systems for aerospace, defense, or complex hardware products.
- 2+ years of technical leadership experience (team lead, supervisor, or engineering manager).
- Strong expertise in electrical system architecture, power distribution, harnessing, or embedded electronics.
- Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
- Experience working within a structured engineering framework (requirements, V&V, configuration management).

Our ideal candidate has,

- M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering.
- Prior experience in UAS, missiles, loitering munitions, or safety-critical avionics.
- Familiarity with Altium, Cameo MBSE, DO-178/254, FMEA/FMECA, and environmental testing.
- Experience collaborating with manufacturing teams in a vertically integrated environment.

SLO: Manager III: $175,000 - $221,000; Manager IV: $195,000 - $243,000

DFW: Manager III: $147,000 - $190,000; Manager IV: $180,000 - $224,000 Pay range for this role $147,000—$243,000 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

- [Recruiter - Production & Manufacturing](https://feeny.ai/job/recruiter-production-manufacturing-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-dmj50erga4g4) — Fort Worth, TX / San Luis Obispo, CA
- [Flight Test Site Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-test-site-manager-zone-5-technologies-united-states-g55qawthhzgh) — United States
- [Supply Chain Director](https://feeny.ai/job/supply-chain-director-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-v0n6552haaw6) — San Luis Obispo, CA
- [Procurement Director](https://feeny.ai/job/procurement-director-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-ep812aqwwey2) — San Luis Obispo, CA
- [Industrial Security Analyst II/III](https://feeny.ai/job/industrial-security-analyst-ii-iii-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-pdjdaqxb36n2) — Fort Worth, TX
- [Electrical Engineer V/VI - EWIS](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-v-vi-ewis-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-crhvfjd0ym1a) — Fort Worth, TX
- [Reliability Engineer - EE Systems IV/V](https://feeny.ai/job/reliability-engineer-ee-systems-iv-v-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-0v9zsw1getjb) — San Luis Obispo, CA
- [Electrical Engineer - EMI/EMC Design V/VI](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-emi-emc-design-v-vi-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-pdzng69wt6rp) — Fort Worth, TX
- [Electrical Engineer - EE Systems Manufacturing V/VI](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-ee-systems-manufacturing-v-vi-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-r6x6nwdrvq26) — Fort Worth, TX
- [Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-qualification-design-engineer-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-hcb7wzcgapep) — San Luis Obispo, CA