---
title: 'Senior System Safety Engineer IV/V at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-system-safety-engineer-iv-v-zone-5-technologies-united-states-w3z4t84cda1n'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Senior System Safety Engineer IV/V at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** United States
- **Compensation:** $154k–$212k
- **Posted:** 2026-05-22
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5228698008

## 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 are seeking a Senior System Safety Engineer to lead system safety activities across the product lifecycle. This role focuses on system safety architecture, data-driven analysis, comprehensive documentation, and test planning for safety verification. You will engage directly with customer counterparts on System Safety Reviews and Panels including THAR (Technical Hazard Assessment Review) and NNMSB (Nuclear Navy Material and Safety Board).

Key Responsibilities:

System Safety & Architecture

- Develop and maintain System Safety Program Plan and safety architecture documentation
- Lead Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and System Safety Assessments
- Identify, document, and manage hazards, risks, and mitigation measures throughout the lifecycle
- Draft System Safety Analysis Reports and maintain traceability between safety requirements, hazards, and mitigations
- Lead Safety Critical Functional Thread Analysis (SCFTA) and support HAZOP/ETA activities

Data, Documentation & Test Planning

- Establish data collection and analysis frameworks for safety metrics and trending
- Develop technical documentation including safety standards, specifications, procedures, and user guides
- Create and execute test plans for safety verification and validation
- Lead development of Built-In Test (BIT) plans and support Qualification Test Plan development
- Define test requirements, acceptance criteria, and success metrics for safety-critical functions
- Review test data to confirm safety requirements compliance

Customer Engagement & Reviews

- Serve as primary point of contact with customers on system safety matters
- Lead and participate in THAR, NNMSB, and other customer System Safety Reviews and Panels
- Present safety analysis findings, risk postures, and mitigation strategies to customers
- Support milestone reviews (PDR, CDR, QDR, MRR) representing system safety
- Coordinate responses to customer safety data items and deliverables

Risk Management & Process Improvement

- Lead safety corrective actions from Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations
- Host corrective action reviews and ensure lessons learned implementation
- Coordinate risk mitigation with Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, and Deployment Operations
- Develop and implement system safety processes and tools
- Ensure compliance with MIL-STD-882E and other applicable safety standards

Basic Qualifications:

- 7+ years as a System Safety Engineer or equivalent safety-critical engineering role
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering, or Physics
- Expertise with MIL-STD-882E and military safety standards
- Experience creating and executing test plans for safety verification
- Proven experience engaging with customers on System Safety Reviews (THAR, NNMSB, or similar)
- Strong system architecture knowledge and safety requirements decomposition
- Extensive FHA, FTA, and SCFTA experience
- Failure investigation with proven corrective action implementation
- Technical writing for reports, procedures, and documentation
- Hazard/risk management and tracking to closure
- Design review experience (PDR, CDR, MRR) with strong presentation skills
- Data collection, analysis, and trending for safety metrics
- U.S. Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:

- Master's degree in engineering or related field
- 10+ years progressive system safety experience
- System Safety certification (ASP, CSP, CSEP)
- DoD or Navy safety programs experience
- Quantitative FTA with probabilistic risk assessment
- FMEA/FMECA, HAZOP, and ETA experience
- Safety analysis software tools (Relyence, Windchill, PTC Integrity)
- Requirements management tools (JIRA, JAMA, Cameo, DOORS)
- Aircraft, spacecraft, or UAV systems experience
- Active U.S. Security Clearance or ability to obtain

Pay Range by level for Remote workers

Level IV - $154k - $187k Level V - $187k - $212k Pay range for this role $154,000—$212,000 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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