{"id":692936,"url":"https://alion.io/job/zone5technologies-flight-test-engineer-vvi","title":"Flight Test Engineer V/VI","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":86,"open_postings":84,"ghost_share":0.226,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":50,"computed_at":"2026-09-28T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["San Luis Obispo, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":158000,"max":190000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":190000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":7,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-06-09T00:00:01Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-06-09","last_verified_at":"2026-09-28T03:51:16Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":111,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":["company_stale"],"days_open":111},"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.\nWe are seeking senior Flight Test Engineers to assemble, certify, and fly groups 1 to 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will play a crucial role in the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). You will work with cross-functional teams to develop test plans, conduct flight tests, and ensure that UAV systems meet performance, safety, and reliability standards. This position requires a strong background in aerospace engineering, a deep understanding of UAV systems, and experience in flight testing. \nZone 5 maintains a regular flight test cadence at test ranges local to the Fort Walton Beach, FL area. In addition, there will be occasional flight test support in the San Luis Obispo, CA area and well as demonstration events at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support. Flight testing requires significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions.\nResponsibilities:\nTest Planning and Coordination:\nDevelop detailed flight test plans, including objectives, methodologies, safety protocols, and resource requirements. \nCollaborate with design engineers, systems engineers, and software developers to define test requirements and procedures.\nCoordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and standards.\nFlight Test Execution:\nConduct pre-flight inspections and system checks to ensure the readiness of UAVs for testing.\nLead or participate in the execution of flight tests, including piloting UAVs remotely if required.\nMonitor and analyze flight data in real-time to ensure the achievement of test objectives.\nTroubleshoot issues that arise during testing and implement corrective actions.\nData Analysis and Reporting:\nCollect, analyze, and interpret flight test data to assess the performance of UAV systems.\nPrepare comprehensive test reports documenting results, findings, and recommendations for design improvements.\nPresent findings to engineering teams, management, and external stakeholders.\nSafety and Risk Management:\nImplement and enforce safety protocols during all phases of flight testing.\nConduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to ensure safe operations.\nLead post-test debriefs to identify lessons learned and incorporate them into future testing.\nContinuous Improvement:\nContribute to the development and refinement of test methodologies and procedures. \nStay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in UAV flight testing.\nMentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to team members.\nQualifications:\nBachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. \n7-10 years of experience in aerospace engineering, with at least 5 years in UAV flight testing or a closely related field.\nPart 107 pilot preferred.\nProven experience in planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.\nExperience with data acquisition systems, telemetry, and flight control systems.\nSkills:\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.\nProficiency in flight test software and simulation tools.\nKnowledge of FAA regulations and airworthiness standards for UAVs.\nExcellent communication and teamwork abilities.\nAbility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. \nWork Environment:\nOffice based with the ability and willingness to travel up to 50%\nMay include environments in hot, cold, and/or wet conditions.\nMay involve travel to various test locations and working in outdoor environments under various weather conditions. \nPay Range by Level for Fort Walton Beach, Florida: \nLevel V - $158,000 - $190,000\nLevel VI - $190,000 - $211,000\nPay range for this role\n$158,000—$211,000 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":5587,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":7,"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":["Space & Aerospace"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-11T01:26:29Z"}],"liveness":{"score":17,"band":"cold","label":"Long shot","p_open":1,"p_active":0.604,"p_room":0.28,"age_days":111,"expected_fill_days":50,"reasons":["conf:1","win:tail","crowd:"],"computed_at":"2026-09-28T05:45:00Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":190000,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/zone5technologies-flight-test-engineer-vvi","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/zone5technologies-flight-test-engineer-vvi.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-28T06:34:27Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"crawler","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":4641,"day_limit":5000,"remaining_today":359,"minute_limit":60,"resets_at":"2026-09-29T00:00:00Z"}}}