Deputy Chief Engineer

Zone 5 Technologies; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 132,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401k with match

Paid time off

Sick time

Holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in Fort Worth, TX is seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next‑generation unmanned aircraft systems. This role requires deep expertise in UAS hardware and/or software, with responsibility for technical strategy, architecture, and execution in coordination with the Chief Engineer.

You will drive system-level design across multi-disciplinary teams, manage risk and verification, and guide certification activities for airworthiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical engineering, CS, or related field.
• 7+ years in unmanned/autonomous vehicle development; 3+ years in technical leadership.
• Experience delivering UAS programs from concept to production.
• Understanding of flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control.
• Active or ability to obtain security clearance.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Analytical and systems thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical development of UAS from concept through production.
• Define system architecture and requirements for next-gen platforms.
• Oversee integration with aircraft systems and interfaces.
• Drive technical decisions across aerodynamics, flight controls, autonomy, sensors, and communications.
• Establish standards, processes, and verification methodologies.
• Lead risk management and trades for performance, cost, schedule.
• Interface with customers, stakeholders, and program leadership.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent.
• Guide certification and airworthiness activities.

Skills

Unmanned systems

Technical leadership

Flight dynamics

Systems engineering

Cross-functional teamwork

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/EE/CS

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

MBSE

Model-based systems engineering

Hardware verification

Job 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.

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.

Zone 5 is seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role demands expertise in unmanned vehicle systems with either advanced software and/or hardware engineering capabilities. The Deputy Chief Engineer will drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution of UAS platforms in concert with the program Chief Engineer.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist or lead end-to-end technical development of UAS from concept through production
• Define system architecture and technical requirements for next-generation platforms including aerodynamic design, propulsion, guidance, and payload integration
• Oversee integration with aircraft systems including mechanical interfaces, communication links, and launch enclosures
• Drive technical decision-making across multidisciplinary teams including aerodynamics, flight controls, autonomy, sensors, and communications
• Establish and maintain technical standards, design processes, and verification methodologies
• Lead technical risk management and trade studies for performance, cost, and schedule optimization
• Interface with customers, stakeholders, and program leadership on technical matters
• Assist in mentoring and developing engineering talent across the organization
• Guide certification and qualification activities for airworthiness and operational readiness

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in unmanned/autonomous vehicle systems development
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
• 3+ years in technical leadership roles with direct responsibility for system-level design
• Experience in delivering unmanned aircraft programs from concept to production
• Understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control systems
• Active or ability to obtain security clearance
• Strong communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with systems thinking mindset

Technical Background (Hardware)

• Experience with mechanical/electrical systems integration including actuators, power systems, and thermal management
• Experience in design for manufacturability and producibility
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools and hardware verification methodologies
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and qualification testing

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with single usemunitions, attritable systems
• Knowledge of datalinks, RF communications, and network-centric operations
• Experience with digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
• Experience with swarm coordination, collaborative autonomy, or multi-agent systems
• Knowledge of modular design approaches and open systems architecture
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and military airworthiness certification
• Understanding of counter-UAS systems and electronic warfare

Pay range for this role

$165,000 - $220,000 USD

What's in it for you:

• 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.

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 .

This job is based in Fort Worth, TX but requires frequent travel to our facilities in CA and FL.

As set forth in Zone 5 Technologies’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.