{"id":692952,"url":"https://alion.io/job/zone5technologies-chief-engineer-2","title":"Chief Engineer","company":{"id":684780,"name":"Zone 5 Technologies","domain":"zone5technologies.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/zone5technologies","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":94,"open_postings":43,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.047,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":114,"computed_at":"2026-10-31T05:58:55Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"head","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Fort Walton Beach, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":200000,"max":250000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":250000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":12,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"DO-178C","optional":false},{"name":"Path Planning","optional":false},{"name":"MBSE","optional":true},{"name":"Multi-Agent Systems","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-05-19T00:13:18Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-05-19","last_verified_at":"2026-11-01T03:55:57Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":166,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":165},"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.\nWe'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.\nZone 5 is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role demands deep expertise in unmanned multi-rotor systems with either advanced software or hardware engineering capabilities. The Chief Engineer will drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution of UAS platforms. \nKey Responsibilities \nLead end-to-end technical development of UAS from concept through production \nDefine system architecture and technical requirements for next-generation platforms including aerodynamic design, propulsion, guidance, and payload integration \nOversee integration with aircraft systems including mechanical interfaces, communication links, and launch enclosures \nDrive technical decision-making across multidisciplinary teams including aerodynamics, flight controls, autonomy, sensors, and communications \nEstablish and maintain technical standards, design processes, and verification methodologies \nLead technical risk management and trade studies for performance, cost, and schedule optimization \nInterface with customers, stakeholders, and program leadership on technical matters \nMentor and develop engineering talent across the organization \nGuide certification and qualification activities for airworthiness and operational readiness \nRequired Qualifications \n12+ years of experience in unmanned aircraft systems development \nBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred) \n5+ years in technical leadership roles with direct responsibility for system-level design \nProven track record of delivering unmanned aircraft programs from concept to production \nDeep understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control systems \nActive or ability to obtain security clearance \nStrong communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences \nProven ability to work with cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities \nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with systems thinking mindset \nTechnical Background (Software) \nExpert-level proficiency in flight control software architecture and real-time embedded systems \nExpert-level proficiency with on board Avionics, Navigation, Communications \nExperience with path planning algorithms, and mission management software \nStrong background in software-hardware integration for avionics and flight systems \nProficiency in model-based design, simulation, and software verification/validation \nKnowledge of DO-178C or equivalent safety-critical software standards \nTechnical Background (Hardware) \nExperience with mechanical/electrical systems integration including actuators, power systems, and thermal management \nStrong background in design for manufacturability and producibility \nProficiency in systems engineering tools and hardware verification methodologies \nKnowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and qualification testing \nPreferred Qualifications \nExperience with single use munitions, attritable systems \nKnowledge of datalinks, RF communications, and network-centric operations \nExperience with digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) \nExperience with swarm coordination, collaborative autonomy, or multi-agent systems \nKnowledge of modular design approaches and open systems architecture \nFamiliarity with DoD acquisition processes and military airworthiness certification \nUnderstanding of counter-UAS systems and electronic warfare \nPay range for this role\n$200,000—$250,000 USD\nWhat's in it for you:\nBenefits: \nCompetitive total compensation package \nComprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.\n401k with company-match \n3 weeks of paid time off each year\n40 hours of sick time\n12 annual company holidays\nWhy Join Zone 5 Technologies?\nInnovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.\nCollaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.\nCareer Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.\nIf 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! \nIn 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. \nZone 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":5482,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":12,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["401k plan","Professional development"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Drones & UAVs","Defense Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-11T01:26:29Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":33,"band":"fade","label":"Fading","p_open":1,"p_active":0.753,"p_room":0.44,"age_days":165,"expected_fill_days":114,"reasons":["conf:3","win:tail","crowd:"],"computed_at":"2026-10-31T05:58:55Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":250000,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/zone5technologies-chief-engineer-2","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/zone5technologies-chief-engineer-2.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-01T05:09:31Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":8020,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-02T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":684780},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=684780"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fzone5technologies-chief-engineer-2"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fzone5technologies-chief-engineer-2"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fzone5technologies-chief-engineer-2"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/zone5technologies-chief-engineer-2\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fzone5technologies-chief-engineer-2"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":692952}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"zone5technologies.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":692952},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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