2,030,788open jobs
120,107companies
251,042added this week
Browse all
Salary
$175k – $210k per year
Location
In office (Fort Walton Beach)
Seniority
Senior · 12+ years exp

Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jul 28, 2026. Zone 5 Technologies scores A on the Alion truth index.

Overview
Company
Impact
Profile match
Zone 5 Technologies is an aerospace and defense company in San Luis Obispo, California, that designs, builds and tests unmanned aircraft systems and the autonomy, avionics and embedded software that run them. Its work spans the full product cycle, from model-based systems engineering and PX4-based flight software to avionics assembly, environmental testing and depot-level maintenance documentation for defense customers. The company hires embedded software, systems, mechanical, robotics perception and test engineers, along with UAV avionics assemblers, production supervisors, technical writers and engineering leadership roles.

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 an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our team. As an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) company, we are looking for an individual with experience in writing software for embedded microcontrollers. 

Responsibilities:  

  • Design, code, and implement software for embedded devices and systems on unmanned aircraft and test out those devices in flight test environments. 
  • Write and test software to support the integration of sensors and processors into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, radios, or other functional components). 
  • Lead in the development and planning of new projects and programs. 
  • Debug, troubleshoot, and isolate software issues. 
  • Ability to read schematics and use standard debugging equipment: oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter. 
  • Work closely with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, etc). 
  • Participate in design and peer reviews for solutions. 
  • Maintain and foster high standards of software quality within the team by adhering to good practices and habits of configuration control. 
  • Mentorship and guidance of less-senior teammates to help them grow and flourish. 

Qualifications:   

  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or related field. 
  • 12+ years of experience in developing embedded software for real-time systems in avionics, automotive, or other safety-critical systems. 
  • Strong experience with real time operating systems, preferably VxWorks or FreeRTOS.  
  • Demonstrated leadership and mentorship skills in high-performing teams.  
  • Expert in C/C++ in a real-time embedded environment. 
  • Expert level experience with flight, avionics, or other sensor-driven systems. 
  • Comprehensive understanding of GPS, IMU, and other navigational constructs. 
  • Experience using MATLAB and Simulink. 
  • Experience with the CAN bus, SPI, 1553, and serial (RS485, etc.) protocols. 
  • Experience reading and understanding electrical hardware schematics. 
  • Experience writing firmware/embedded code for a physical device. 
  • Fundamental knowledge of low-level firmware. 
  • Experience using an oscilloscope and logic analyzer for debugging boards. 
  • Develop and perform tests and test procedures to verify embedded system functionality. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-quality systems.  

To ensure you've read this description, please start your cover letter or the 'summary' section of your application with the phrase: [Favorite Tool] Specialist found. Applications without this phrase will not be reviewed.

Pay range for this role

$175,000—$210,000 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.

Free account
Stop reading job ads. Get the ones that fit.
One free account turns this page into a shortlist built around your stack, your level and your pay.
Match on every job. Stack, seniority, pay and location, scored against your profile.
2,030,788 open roles. Read straight off company career pages, refreshed every day.
Unlimited applications. Every one you send is tracked in one place, on-site or on a company board.
3 tailored CVs a month. Rewritten for the exact job you are applying to. Included free.
Create a free account Continue with Google
Free forever. No card. Under a minute.

Your match

How well do you fit this role?
Two answers are enough for a real match. No account needed.
Check my fit
Answers stay in this browser until you create an account.

Recommended for you based on this role

Hardware
Similar stack
Same company
Fort Walton Beach
$120k – $210k per year · In office · TS/SCI · 20+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Annapolis Junction
Python
Verilog
C++
SystemVerilog
VHDL
AI/ML
AI Agents
CUDA
Machine Learning
DevOps
Docker Swarm
Docker
Kubernetes
Chips/EDA
Intel Quartus Prime
Xilinx Vivado
Vitis
Management
Agile
Apply
$210k – $255k per year · In office · TS/SCI · Full-Time · 14+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · El Segundo
Apply
≈ $89k – $172k per year (Estimated) · In office · Nationals only · Full-Time · 3+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Barstow
DevOps
Linux
Apply
$135k – $181k per year · In office · Nationals only · Full-Time · 10+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Broomfield
Verilog
SystemVerilog
VHDL
DevOps
CI/CD
Robotics
Apollo
Chips/EDA
Siemens QuestaSim
Cocotb
Apply
≈ $128k – $237k per year (Estimated) · Equity · In office · Full-Time · 5+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Milpitas
Python
MATLAB
Chips/EDA
JMP
Cryptography
GPG
Apply
≈ $41k – $82k per year (Estimated) · Equity · In office · Full-Time · Bachelor's Degree · Madrid
Python
MATLAB
MATLAB
Simulink
Management
Confluence
Jira
SpaceTech
CATIA
Cameo Systems Modeler
IBM DOORS
Apply
Equity · In office · Full-Time · Bachelor's Degree · Madrid
Python
MATLAB
MATLAB
Simulink
Chips/EDA
Altium Designer
LTspice
SpaceTech
DO-160
MedTech
Verification & Validation
Apply
GNC Lead 7 days ago
≈ $26k – $58k per year (Estimated) · In office · Full-Time · Bengaluru
Python
MATLAB
MATLAB
Simulink
Robotics
Sensor Fusion
MedTech
Verification & Validation
Apply
Hybrid · Full-Time · Leuven
C#
C++
COBOL
C#
.NET
COBOL
CICS
VSAM
JCL
DevOps
Azure
IAM
Apply
In office · Full-Time · Bachelor's Degree · Haveli
JavaScript
PowerShell
C#
C++
C#
.NET
Databases
MS SQL
DevOps
Git
Windows
Apply
$131k – $161k per year · In office · 5+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Fort Worth · San Luis Obispo
DevOps
SLI/SLO/SLA
Apply
$93k – $112k per year · In office · Bachelor's Degree · San Luis Obispo · Fort Worth
DevOps
SLI/SLO/SLA
Apply
$164k – $191k per year · In office · 10+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Fort Worth · San Luis Obispo
Apply
$171k – $199k per year · In office · 10+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Fort Worth · San Luis Obispo
Apply
$199k – $248k per year · In office · 10+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · San Luis Obispo · Fort Worth
Apply
$49k – $67k per year · In office · Full-Time · 1+ year exp · Associate's Degree · Fort Walton Beach
Apply
≈ $24k – $42k per year (Estimated) · In office · Part-Time · 1+ year exp · High School Diploma · Fort Walton Beach
Apply
Account Manager 2 days ago
$32k per year · In office · High School Diploma · Fort Walton Beach
Apply
≈ $90k – $195k per year (Estimated) · In office · TS/SCI · 10+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Fort Walton Beach
Apply
≈ $112k – $219k per year (Estimated) · In office · Secret · 10+ years exp · Bachelor's Degree · Fort Walton Beach
Python
C++
MATLAB
MATLAB
Simulink
Apply
See all jobs
This is one of many
2,030,788 more open roles from verified company boards, updated every day.