Flight Test Site Manager

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.

Role Summary

At Zone 5 Technologies, Flight Test Site Managers lead the day-to-day operations, coordination, and execution of flight-test activities at remote test locations supporting multiple unmanned aircraft programs.

This role is highly hands-on, execution-focused, and leadership-driven, working cross-functionally with Flight Test, Engineering, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), Logistics, Safety, Security, and external range personnel to ensure flight-test operations are properly planned, resourced, and executed.

The Flight Test Site Manager serves as the primary operational leader at assigned test locations, responsible for site readiness, personnel coordination, equipment availability, infrastructure, and daily operational execution. This includes establishing and maintaining processes that enable safe, efficient, and repeatable flight-test operations.

In this role, you are expected to operate with extreme ownership, independently resolving operational challenges, anticipating resource requirements, and ensuring personnel and equipment are positioned to support scheduled testing. You will serve as the primary point of contact between remote flight-test operations and company leadership.

Responsibilities

Flight Test Site Operations & Leadership

Support daily flight-test site operations across multiple programs and test activities

Serve as the primary operational point of contact for assigned remote test locations

Coordinate personnel, facilities, equipment, and operational resources required for test execution

Establish daily operating priorities and communicate operational status to leadership

Identify and resolve operational challenges before they impact scheduled testing

Site Readiness & Infrastructure

Maintain operational readiness of test-site facilities, ground-support equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure

Coordinate site setup, mobilization, demobilization, and equipment staging

Ensure required communications, power, network connectivity, and support systems are available

Establish and maintain site operating procedures, inspection requirements, and readiness checklists

Coordinate facility maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure improvements

Personnel & Resource Coordination

Coordinate daily personnel assignments and operational support requirements with functional managers

Ensure qualified personnel and required resources are available for scheduled activities

Manage site-level resource conflicts and elevate unresolved priorities to operational leadership

Coordinate with Logistics to ensure equipment is properly tracked, maintained, and available

Support personnel onboarding, site orientation, training coordination, and operational accountability

Range Coordination & Operational Compliance

Serve as a primary interface with range representatives, test-site authorities, and external support organizations

Coordinate site access, operating restrictions, range requirements, and local procedures

Ensure personnel follow established safety, security, environmental, and operational requirements

Support operational risk assessments, readiness reviews, and test execution planning

Maintain site documentation, inspection records, and required operational reporting

Test Execution & Communication

Lead daily operational coordination meetings and communicate test-site readiness

Support flight-test execution by resolving personnel, equipment, facility, and scheduling constraints

Coordinate rapidly changing requirements resulting from weather, technical issues, or program priorities

Communicate operational risks, resource limitations, and schedule impacts to leadership

Support post-test activities, equipment accountability, and lessons-learned reviews

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

Develop standardized site operating procedures, checklists, and resource-management processes

Establish site readiness metrics and track recurring operational constraints

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, equipment utilization, and test-site capacity

Support expansion and activation of new remote flight-test locations

Drive accountability, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement across site operations

Qualifications

5–10+ years of experience in flight-test operations, aviation operations, military test operations, aerospace operations, or similar technical environments

Demonstrated experience coordinating personnel, equipment, facilities, and operational resources

Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex operations in remote or geographically separated environments

Strong understanding of operational safety, risk management, and procedural compliance

Ability to independently resolve problems, prioritize competing requirements, and make time-sensitive operational decisions

Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills

Level III: $110,000 - $142,000

Level IV: $138,000 - $186,000

Level V: $179,000 - $211,000 Pay range for this role $110,000 — $211,000 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 .