---
title: 'Mechanical Engineer V/VI at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-v-vi-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-xq802t3gjhan'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Mechanical Engineer V/VI at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** San Luis Obispo, CA
- **Compensation:** $182k–$238k
- **Posted:** 2026-05-13
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5218315008

## 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.

We're looking for a Mechanical Engineer V/VI for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) which is a senior-level role responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced mechanical systems for UAVs. This position involves strategic oversight, innovative problem-solving, and mentorship of junior engineers. Engineers in this role will contribute to cutting-edge advancements in UAS technologies, driving innovation in areas such as autonomous systems, additive manufacturing, and aerospace materials.

Key Responsibilities:

- Strategic Design Leadership: Lead the design of complex mechanical systems for UAVs, including advanced airframes, propulsion systems, and payload integration.

- Advanced Prototyping and Testing: Oversee the development and testing of UAV prototypes, ensuring compliance with performance and reliability goals.

- Comprehensive Structural Analysis: Conduct and review in-depth stress, strain, and fatigue analysis for UAV mechanical systems operating under extreme conditions.

- Thermal Management Expertise: Develop and implement innovative thermal systems for high-performance UAVs.

- Cross-Functional Integration: Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with avionics, sensors, and software controls.

- Material Innovation: Drive research and development of advanced materials for UAV applications, focusing on composites and lightweight alloys.

- Failure Analysis and Solutions: Lead root cause analysis of mechanical failures and propose long-term, impactful solutions.

- Regulatory Compliance Leadership: Ensure all designs meet and exceed UAS regulations and industry certifications.

- Research and Development: Spearhead R&D initiatives to advance UAS technologies, including autonomous navigation and advanced manufacturing techniques.

- Mentorship and Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering professional growth within the team.

- Documentation and Reporting: Author comprehensive technical documentation, including design reviews, test reports, and compliance certifications.

Qualifications:

- Education: Bachelor’s, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
- Experience: 10+ years of experience in engineering roles.

Skills:

- Advanced proficiency in CAD and mechanical design software (e.g., SolidWorks)
- Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and drafting
- Experience with design for manufacturability (DFMA) and tooling design
- Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and other advanced simulation tools
- Experience in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics
- Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and ability to mentor
- Proven ability to drive innovation and manage complex engineering projects

Preferred Qualifications:

- Above experience including 5 years dedicated to UAV development
- Advanced proficiency in CAD primarily for aerospace and UAS applications
- Experience with advanced simulation tools (e.g. FEA, CFD)
- Expertise in structural mechanics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics
- In depth knowledge of UAV manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and advanced composite materials.
- Familiarity with advanced UAV-specific regulations and broader aerospace certification processes (e.g., DO-160, AS9100).

Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA:

Level V - $182k - $212k Level VI - $212k - $238k Pay range for this role $182,000—$238,000 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

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- [Linux Systems Administrator III](https://feeny.ai/job/linux-systems-administrator-iii-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-california-2s6wp5ff9wy0) — San Luis Obispo California, United States
- [Shipping & Receiving Supervisor](https://feeny.ai/job/shipping-receiving-supervisor-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-vp9r6bh7nv27) — Fort Worth, TX
- [Vice President of Quality](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-of-quality-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-cp3xjgxhnamk) — Fort Worth, TX / San Luis Obispo California, United States
- [Recruiter - Production & Manufacturing](https://feeny.ai/job/recruiter-production-manufacturing-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-vrq54dswf7fg) — Fort Worth, TX
- [Development Manufacturing Manager I/II](https://feeny.ai/job/development-manufacturing-manager-i-ii-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-0cwpd0k8jzfy) — San Luis Obispo, CA
- [Office Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/office-coordinator-zone-5-technologies-paso-robles-california-t9d8dv1qtwyx) — Paso Robles California, United States
- [Software Integration Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/software-integration-lead-zone-5-technologies-united-states-4ca2j2kj4f9b) — United States
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- [UAV Aircraft Assembler II](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-aircraft-assembler-ii-zone-5-technologies-paso-robles-california-3bpgjeat22qv) — Paso Robles California, United States