---
title: 'Systems Integration & Test Manager at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/systems-integration-test-manager-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-vje5phekc4qv'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-10'
---

# Systems Integration & Test Manager at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** San Luis Obispo, CA
- **Compensation:** $175k–$200k
- **Posted:** 2026-03-30
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-10
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5161111008

## 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.

At Zone 5 Technologies, we rapidly develop and field advanced unmanned aircraft systems through disciplined integration, testing, and block upgrade strategies.  We are seeking a Systems Integration & Test Manager to architect and lead a cross-disciplinary engineering team responsible for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) integration, configuration control, and structured feature validation prior to flight.

This role will build the technical and procedural backbone that allows software, avionics, mechanical, and environmental subsystems to integrate predictably and transition cleanly into aircraft production.

## Responsibilities

HITL Architecture & Integration Environment

- Architect and maintain a flight-representative HITL environment
- Define hardware and software integration standards
- Ensure coexistence between hardware platforms and software feature development
- Establish component-level integration workflows (e.g., radar altimeter, avionics modules)
- Validate signals, timing, interfaces, compatibility and performance prior to aircraft installation

Feature On-Ramp & Block Upgrade Strategy

- Define readiness criteria for transitioning features from HITL to aircraft
- Develop structured ground test campaigns
- Create block upgrade roadmaps for production aircraft
- Coordinate with software and flight test leadership for release planning

Configuration Control & Systems Engineering

- Establish configuration management processes for HITL and aircraft baselines
- Control hardware revisions, firmware versions, and software baselines
- Implement traceability between requirements, test cases, and system outputs
- Develop and enforce integration and verification procedures

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

- Manage a team of mechanical, avionics, and software integration engineers
- Coordinate closely with core Software, GNC, Avionics, Electrical Engineering and production teams
- Drive technical reviews, design readiness reviews, and integration reviews
- Mentor engineers in systems thinking and disciplined integration practices

Ground Test & Validation

- Lead structured ground test campaigns
- Define data collection and validation methods
- Identify risks prior to flight integration
- Ensure safe and repeatable test execution

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- 8–12+ years of experience in aerospace systems integration and testing
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams
- Strong understanding of avionics integration, signal timing, and embedded systems
- Experience with HITL environments and system-level validation
- Familiarity with configuration management tools and processes Preferred
- Experience using CAMEO Systems Modeler for system architecture development, requirements traceability, interface definition, and configuration control
- Experience in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) development and integration
- Strong background in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
- Experience transitioning development features into production block upgrades with structured release management
- Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink-based architectures, including model validation and code generation workflows
- Experience with VxWorks-based embedded systems and real-time software integration

Pay range for this role $175,000—$200,000 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 Engineering Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineering-manager-zone-5-technologies-fort-worth-dmzeqy8r6wpw) — Fort Worth, TX / San Luis Obispo, CA
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- [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
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- [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