--- title: 'Test & Evaluation Operations Scheduler at Zone 5 Technologies' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/test-evaluation-operations-scheduler-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-em4q3jrgzb0g' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-20' --- # Test & Evaluation Operations Scheduler at Zone 5 Technologies - **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies - **Location:** San Luis Obispo, CA - **Compensation:** $78k–$156k - **Posted:** 2026-10-14 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-20 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5453385008 ## 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. At Zone 5 Technologies, the Test and Evaluation Operations Scheduler will coordinate the personnel, range access, facilities, equipment, and operational support required to execute flight-test activities across multiple programs. This role is highly detail-oriented, execution-focused, and communication-driven, working cross-functionally with Technical Program Managers (TPMs), Test and Evaluation, Engineering, Operations, Logistics, Safety, Security, and external test-site personnel to develop and maintain an integrated flight-test schedule. The Test and Evaluation Operations Scheduler will translate program forecasts into executable operating plans, identify personnel and resource conflicts, coordinate range and test-site requirements, and maintain clear schedule visibility across the organization. In this role, you are expected to operate with strong ownership and attention to detail, ensuring upcoming operations are coordinated early, conflicts are identified before they impact execution, and schedule changes are communicated clearly and quickly. ## Responsibilities Integrated Flight-Test Planning & Scheduling - Develop and maintain an integrated, cross-program flight-test schedule - Translate program forecasts into long-range, rolling look-ahead, and daily execution schedules - Identify schedule dependencies, resource constraints, competing priorities, and planning risks - Maintain schedule accuracy, version control, and change visibility - Coordinate schedule changes while minimizing impacts to programs and test operations Range & Test-Site Coordination - Request, reserve, and track range time, airspace, facilities, and test-site resources - Coordinate requirements, deadlines, approvals, and schedule changes with internal and external stakeholders - Maintain visibility of range limitations, blackout periods, site conflicts, and outstanding actions - Coordinate site access, travel, and operational support requirements Personnel & Resource Planning - Coordinate with functional managers to identify qualified personnel required for upcoming operations - Forecast staffing requirements and identify personnel gaps before they impact test execution - Coordinate shared aircraft, test articles, vehicles, ground-support equipment, communications equipment, and other resources - Identify cross-program conflicts and develop options for leadership resolution Schedule Communication & Leadership Briefing - Facilitate recurring flight-test planning and scheduling meetings - Publish clear schedule products for program teams, functional managers, and leadership - Brief upcoming operations, resource constraints, schedule risks, conflicts, and required decisions - Maintain action, dependency, decision, and risk tracking associated with scheduled operations Execution Support & Process Improvement - Support daily flight-test operations and rapidly replan around weather, range, technical, personnel, or program changes - Track delays, cancellations, resource utilization, and recurring scheduling constraints - Develop standardized planning workflows, templates, metrics, and operating procedures - Capture lessons learned and continuously improve flight-test planning processes ## Qualifications - 2–7+ years of experience in operations planning, scheduling, program coordination, logistics, workforce planning, or similar roles - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, stakeholders, and deadlines - Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through - Ability to identify conflicts, develop practical options, and communicate recommendations - Strong written, verbal, and leadership briefing skills - Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and scheduling or project-management systems - Ability to operate effectively in a rapidly changing operational environment - Ability to support occasional travel and changing flight-test schedules as required ## Preferred - Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Business, Operations Management, Project Management, Logistics, or a related field - Aerospace, defense, UAS, aviation, flight-test, or military test experience - Experience coordinating government ranges, test sites, airspace, or external operational partners - Experience developing resource-loaded schedules and workforce capacity plans - Familiarity with flight-test planning, readiness reviews, test cards, and range documentation - Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent scheduling tools - Experience developing dashboards, schedule metrics, and leadership briefing products Level II: $78,000 - $102,000 Level III: $91,000 - $119,000 Level IV: $115,000 - $156,000 Pay range for this role $78,000—$156,000 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. 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