---
title: 'Lead CFD Engineer - Weapon Performance at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-cfd-engineer-weapon-performance-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-91syc140cqdr'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-03'
---

# Lead CFD Engineer - Weapon Performance at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** Fort Worth, TX
- **Compensation:** $149k–$220k
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-10-06
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5445939008

## 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.

We are seeking an experienced CFD Lead to join our Weapons Performance team. In this role, you will lead computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to characterize the aerodynamic and ballistic performance of Zone 5's air-launched effects, tactical interceptors, and next-generation munitions — from early concept and trade studies through wind tunnel and flight test correlation to fielded performance.

We're looking for a technical leader with an entrepreneurial mindset: someone who takes personal responsibility for the success of the systems they help build, has a bias toward action, and treats program performance as a personal stake. You will work within your organization to help set technical direction for CFD, mentor other aerodynamicists using CFD, and partner closely with Propulsion, GNC, Design, Analysis, Systems Engineering, and Flight Test to ensure our systems perform reliably under demanding launch, flight, and terminal conditions.

Responsibilities:

- Lead high-fidelity CFD analysis (RANS, URANS, and DES where required) across speed regimes typical to the defense industry to characterize aerodynamic performance — drag, lift, moment coefficients, and stability derivatives — for missiles, interceptors, and other types of hardware.
- Work with the Weapons Performance team to establish shared analysis standards and document the procedures and processes used for CFD-based aerodynamic database development, improving turnaround time and ensuring data consistency for use in GNC flight control law development, trajectory simulation, and mission performance analysis.
- Participate in program-level resource allocation, timeline, and deliverable estimates.
- Validate CFD models against wind tunnel and flight test data and help lead root-cause investigation of discrepancies between simulation and test.
- Develop mesh generation and grid convergence techniques and studies for complex, high-speed vehicle geometries.
- Collaborate with Design, Propulsion, GNC, Analysis, and Systems Engineering to integrate aerodynamic performance data into vehicle-level design, sizing, and performance models.
- Present technical findings, aerodynamic performance data, and CFD methodology at design reviews (PDR, CDR) and internal engineering discussions.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to other aerodynamics and CFD engineers and review their analysis approaches and results.
- Develop and lead automated workflows and scripts for batch HPC job generation, post-processing, and data reduction, streamlining deliverables for Aerodynamics, GNC, and Systems Engineering teams.
- Perform lightweight HPC administrative responsibilities such as tracking compute usage and software licensing and assisting the team with HPC environment usage.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master's degree typical for candidates at this level, though exceptional applied experience can substitute.
- 8+ years of experience performing and leading CFD analysis in an applied, product-centric, program-driven environment, leading the technical approach across multiple full vehicle programs — from conceptual design through wind tunnel, flight test, and production.
- Proficiency with CFD solvers commonly used in aerospace/defense aerodynamics (e.g., CFD++, OVERFLOW, FUN3D, STAR-CCM+, or ANSYS Fluent) for compressible, high-speed flow, along with meshing and grid-generation tools such as Pointwise, ANSA, and Chimera Grid Tools, and overset grid assembly for complex multi-body geometries.
- Proficiency with CFD/FEA post-processing and visualization tools such as ParaView, FieldView, and ANSYS Workbench for data reduction, visualization, and correlation of results across disciplines.
- Experience characterizing aerodynamic performance of missiles, munitions, rockets, or other high-speed vehicles, including store separation and base drag effects.
- Experience validating and correlating CFD results against wind tunnel or flight test data
- Hands-on experience working alongside real flight hardware — wind tunnel models, instrumented test articles, or flight test vehicles — rather than working from simulation data alone.
- Experience making or directly informing safety-critical engineering decisions, with the judgment and integrity to discern credible simulation results from questionable ones.
- Experience where your CFD analysis directly informed a design decision, program milestone, or fielded outcome, not just standalone technical results.
- Experience building and maintaining CFD validation libraries — reference cases and benchmark comparisons used to check new analysis against established, trusted results.
- Experience working with a team to establish and document CFD analysis standards, procedures, and workflows — helping make methods repeatable and consistent across a group, not just performing analysis yourself.
- Programming or scripting proficiency (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for CFD automation, post-processing, and data reduction.
- Working knowledge of Linux system administration and HPC cluster environments (e.g., job scheduling, resource allocation, environment/module management) sufficient to run and troubleshoot CFD workloads independently, down to the interconnect if need be.
- Strong experience with version control (e.g., Git, SVN) for CFD codebases and the batch/automation scripts that run them.
- Experience generating aerodynamic coefficient databases for use in 6-DOF trajectory or flight simulation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting technical results at design reviews and supporting proposal/capture efforts.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance; must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR regulations.

Level IV: $149K - $182K

Level V: $182K - $220K Pay range for this role $149,000—$220,000 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)

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