---
title: 'Lead MDAO Engineer - Weapon Performance at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-mdao-engineer-weapon-performance-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-97rt6hfhq98f'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-03'
---

# Lead MDAO Engineer - Weapon Performance at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** Fort Worth, TX
- **Compensation:** $149k–$220k
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-10-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5447845008

## 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 MDAO Lead to join our Weapons Performance team. In this role, you will lead multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) efforts that bring aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and GNC together into unified vehicle-level trade studies and optimization frameworks for Zone 5's air-launched effects, tactical interceptors, and next-generation munitions — from early concept and sizing through preliminary design, test correlation, and 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 and has a bias toward action. You will work with the Weapons Performance team's manager to help set technical direction for MDAO, mentor engineers across disciplines, and partner closely with Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, GNC, and Systems Engineering to ensure our systems perform reliably under demanding launch, flight, and terminal conditions.

Responsibilities:

- Lead multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) efforts that couple aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and trajectory models into unified vehicle-level trade studies and sizing analysis for missiles, interceptors, and other types of hardware.
- Work with the Weapons Performance team to establish shared MDAO methods and tools, and document the procedures and processes used for vehicle-level sizing, trade studies, and design optimization, improving turnaround time and ensuring data consistency across programs.
- Develop and lead automated workflows and scripts that integrate CAD, CFD, FEA, and simulation outputs into optimization loops, streamlining multidisciplinary design data for Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, and GNC teams, while aligning stakeholders across disciplines, getting the right analytical models integrated into the toolset, and applying the appropriate level of fidelity at each stage of study.
- Author and maintain architecture documentation for the MDAO toolset, capturing design decisions, data flows, and integration points across disciplines.
- Establish tasking workflows and development pipelines in standard developer tools (e.g., Git, CI/CD, issue tracking) to manage ongoing development of the MDAO toolset.
- Incorporate feature requests and feedback from Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, and GNC engineers into the ongoing development and prioritization of the MDAO toolset.
- Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to inform conceptual and preliminary design decisions, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.
- Collaborate with Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, GNC, and Systems Engineering to translate single-discipline analysis into system-level design and sizing decisions.
- Validate MDAO-driven designs against wind tunnel, ground test, and flight test data, and lead root-cause investigation of discrepancies between model predictions and test results.
- Support RFI/RFP proposal responses and new program capture by providing early-stage vehicle sizing, performance trades, and feasibility assessments.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers across disciplines on MDAO methods and tools, and review their analysis approaches and results.
- Present technical findings, trade study results, and MDAO methodology at design reviews (PDR, CDR) and internal engineering discussions.

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.
- 10+ years of experience performing and leading multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization in an applied, program-driven environment, leading the technical approach across multiple full vehicle programs — from conceptual design through flight test.
- Demonstrable experience carrying an MDAO effort through to real hardware on at least one program of record, with familiarity across the entire design loop — from conceptual sizing and trade studies through detailed design, test, and fielded hardware — and a demonstrated track record of success doing so.
- Demonstrated ability to execute the full scope of the responsibilities above — from vehicle-level trade studies and multidisciplinary integration to toolset ownership, documentation, and cross-discipline collaboration — in a production, program-driven environment.
- Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization frameworks and methods (e.g., OpenMDAO, ModelCenter/Phoenix Integration, or custom optimization pipelines) for coupling discipline-level models into system-level trade studies.
- Experience building and maintaining validation libraries — reference cases and benchmark comparisons used to check new analysis against established, trusted results — including the ability to write unit tests for MDAO code and workflows.
- Familiarity implementing MDAO frameworks into the digital thread, including tools such as Cameo, and incorporating systems engineering requirements into the design and optimization loop.
- Programming or scripting proficiency (Python, MATLAB, or similar; C++ a plus) for MDAO automation, post-processing, and data reduction.
- Understanding of how to run and troubleshoot MDAO workloads on distributed computing systems (e.g., HPC clusters, job scheduling, resource allocation) — formal Linux system administration experience is not required.
- Experience with version control (e.g., Git, SVN) for MDAO codebases and the automation scripts that run them.
- Hands-on experience working alongside real flight hardware.
- Familiarity integrating analysis across CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX), CFD (e.g., FUN3D, OVERFLOW, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent), and FEA (e.g., NASTRAN/PATRAN, ANSYS) toolchains into a common vehicle-level design and optimization workflow.
- Experience generating 6-DOF trajectory or flight simulation models to assess vehicle-level performance envelopes.
- 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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