Systems Integration & Test Manager

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.

At Zone 5 Technologies, we rapidly develop and field advanced unmanned aircraft systems through disciplined integration, testing, and block upgrade strategies. We are seeking a Systems Integration & Test Manager to architect and lead a cross-disciplinary engineering team responsible for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) integration, configuration control, and structured feature validation prior to flight.

This role will build the technical and procedural backbone that allows software, avionics, mechanical, and environmental subsystems to integrate predictably and transition cleanly into aircraft production.

Responsibilities

HITL Architecture & Integration Environment

Architect and maintain a flight-representative HITL environment

Define hardware and software integration standards

Ensure coexistence between hardware platforms and software feature development

Establish component-level integration workflows (e.g., radar altimeter, avionics modules)

Validate signals, timing, interfaces, compatibility and performance prior to aircraft installation

Feature On-Ramp & Block Upgrade Strategy

Define readiness criteria for transitioning features from HITL to aircraft

Develop structured ground test campaigns

Create block upgrade roadmaps for production aircraft

Coordinate with software and flight test leadership for release planning

Configuration Control & Systems Engineering

Establish configuration management processes for HITL and aircraft baselines

Control hardware revisions, firmware versions, and software baselines

Implement traceability between requirements, test cases, and system outputs

Develop and enforce integration and verification procedures

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Manage a team of mechanical, avionics, and software integration engineers

Coordinate closely with core Software, GNC, Avionics, Electrical Engineering and production teams

Drive technical reviews, design readiness reviews, and integration reviews

Mentor engineers in systems thinking and disciplined integration practices

Ground Test & Validation

Lead structured ground test campaigns

Define data collection and validation methods

Identify risks prior to flight integration

Ensure safe and repeatable test execution

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)

8–12+ years of experience in aerospace systems integration and testing

Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams

Strong understanding of avionics integration, signal timing, and embedded systems

Experience with HITL environments and system-level validation

Familiarity with configuration management tools and processes Preferred

Experience using CAMEO Systems Modeler for system architecture development, requirements traceability, interface definition, and configuration control

Experience in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) development and integration

Strong background in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Experience transitioning development features into production block upgrades with structured release management

Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink-based architectures, including model validation and code generation workflows

Experience with VxWorks-based embedded systems and real-time software integration

Pay range for this role

$175,000 — $200,000 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 .