AI use among architectural and engineering managers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for architectural and engineering managers: 3% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

About the job

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.

Overview

Join our team at Zone 5 Technologies as an Electrical Engineering Manager, where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive us to pioneer advancements in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo, California, we're seeking talented individuals to join our growing team and contribute to managing the technical development of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

About Us

At Zone 5 Technologies, we thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineering Manager manages a team of Zone 5 electrical and avionics engineers, owning capability development, technical excellence, functional wellbeing, and staffing across multiple programs and IPTs.

This role ensures the electrical engineering discipline consistently delivers high-quality architectures, hardware, and integration support while maintaining the speed, rigor, and safety required for aerospace and weapons-system development.

You will partner closely across Programs, Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure electrical engineering supports program execution while proactively developing the processes, tools, and people required to scale.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop Electrical Engineers across all levels, ensuring strong technical capability and functional wellbeing.

Define and maintain EE discipline standards, design practices, and verification methods.

Assign EE resources to programs and IPTs based on skillset, workload, and priority.

Ensure delivery of EE architectures, schematics, harness designs, power budgets, and integration documentation.

Support IPT standups and cross-functional coordination, escalating electrical risks early.

Provide senior technical guidance on architecture decisions, component trades, and risk mitigation.

Oversee design reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR, TRR), ensuring rigor, completeness, and configuration control.

Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace standards (AS9100, DO-160, MIL-STD-704/461).

Guide root-cause analysis and corrective actions for electrical issues in integration, test, or production.

Identify and drive capability improvements in tools, processes, and test infrastructure.

Contribute to proposals by providing EE architectures, cost/schedule inputs, and staffing plans.

Qualifications

Basic expectations for this role include a minimum of,

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.

8+ years of experience designing and delivering electrical systems for aerospace, defense, or complex hardware products.

2+ years of technical leadership experience (team lead, supervisor, or engineering manager).

Strong expertise in electrical system architecture, power distribution, harnessing, or embedded electronics.

Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

Experience working within a structured engineering framework (requirements, V&V, configuration management).

Our ideal candidate has,

M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering.

Prior experience in UAS, missiles, loitering munitions, or safety-critical avionics.

Familiarity with Altium, Cameo MBSE, DO-178/254, FMEA/FMECA, and environmental testing.

Experience collaborating with manufacturing teams in a vertically integrated environment.

SLO: Manager III: $175,000 - $221,000; Manager IV: $195,000 - $243,000

DFW: Manager III: $147,000 - $190,000; Manager IV: $180,000 - $224,000 Pay range for this role $147,000 — $243,000 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 .