Zone 5 Technologies

Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer

Zone 5 Technologies · San Luis Obispo, California, United Stat
San Luis Obispo, California, United Stat $142K–$193K Posted 2026-11-03
Salary
$142K–$193K
Type
Full-time
Experience
5+ yr

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.

Zone 5 Technologies, LLC is seeking a highly skilled  Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer to lead the environmental testing, validation, and design integration of advanced counter-drone drone and missile systems for U.S. Department of Defense programs. This role requires a deep understanding of MIL-STD-810 , EMI/EMC , and missile systems—blending hands-on test execution with early-phase design input to ensure our platforms perform in the most demanding operational environments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop, author, and execute detailed environmental test plans in compliance with MIL-STD-810 and related military standards.
  • Partner with design engineering teams to integrate test-derived insights into hardware architecture, material selection, and packaging to improve reliability and survivability.
  • Translate environmental qualification needs into  design guidelines and drive early-phase design reviews to ensure environmental readiness.
  • Conduct and oversee testing across critical environments, including  shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, rain, and sand/dust .
  • Coordinate and support EMI/EMC testing , including collaboration with external labs and internal electrical teams.
  • Lead test setup planning , including harnessing, fixturing, instrumentation, and data acquisition strategies.
  • Serve as primary technical interface for third-party test houses —coordinating logistics, validating setup integrity, and ensuring test fidelity.
  • Apply knowledge of  missile systems and counter-UAS platforms to guide realistic and mission-relevant test planning.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems engineering.
  • Direct hands-on expertise in MIL-STD-810 environmental testing, with working knowledge of DO-160 and/or related military/industry standards.
  • Experience in identifying root cause failure and incorporating insights into early design phases to ensure success.
  • Solid understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems , including familiarity with power/harnessing, enclosures, and electronics packaging under extreme conditions.
  • Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, vibration tables, thermal chambers, and data collection tools.
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally with internal engineering teams and external testing partners.
  • Experience supporting or qualifying missile systems , guided munitions, or small aerial vehicles in DoD acquisition or RDT&E environments.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering - Master's preferred.

Level IV: $142,000 - $193,000/yr.

Level V: $171,000 - $230,000/yr.
Pay range for this role
$142,000 — $230,000 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 .

$110K — 10th pctl $270K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $167K vs. market median $180K for Engineering roles
~median
market rate
Based on 10,000+ Engineering roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
D
Sr. Surface Modeler
San Luis Obispo, California
Design
$170K–$220K
E
Flight Test Engineer III/IV
San Luis Obispo, California, United Stat
Engineering
$117K–$157K
E
Developmental Test Engineer
San Luis Obispo, California
Engineering
$130K–$205K
See all 10+ roles at Zone 5 Technologies →
A
Senior RF Design & Test Engineer
Anduril Industries Costa Mesa, California, United States
Engineering
$146K–$241K
A
Electrical Design & Product Engineer
Applied Engineering Faribault, MN
Engineering
$84K–$96K
A
Lead Platform Design & Integration Engineer – Special Programs
Archer Aviation San Jose, CA
Engineering
$138K–$190K
E
RF Hardware Systems & Design Engineer
Eridan Communications Sunnyvale, CA
Engineering
$160K–$190K
See all Engineering roles →

Interested in this role?

Apply directly on the company site — no recruiter middleman, no account required.

Apply now →
Apply on company site