Developmental Test/Environmental Test Engineer

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life

401k with company-match

4 weeks of paid time off

12 annual company holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies, LLC is seeking an Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer to lead the environmental testing, validation, and design integration of advanced counter-drone systems for DoD programs.

Ideal candidates have MIL-STD-810 experience, EMI/EMC knowledge, and hands-on test instrumentation; you will translate test results into design guidelines and collaborate with design teams to ensure environmental readiness.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems.
• Hands-on MIL-STD-810 testing experience and knowledge of related standards.
• Experience with missile systems, counter-UAS, or DoD programs is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, author, and execute environmental test plans per MIL-STD-810 and related standards.
• Collaborate with design engineering to integrate test insights into hardware and packaging.
• Translate test needs into design guidelines and drive early design reviews.
• Lead testing across shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, rain, and dust environments.
• Coordinate EMI/EMC testing with external labs and internal teams.
• Plan test setups including harnessing, fixturing, instrumentation, and data collection.
• Interface with third-party test houses to ensure fidelity and setup integrity.
• Apply missile system knowledge to guide realistic, mission-relevant test planning.

Skills

Environmental testing

MIL-STD-810 knowledge

DO-160 knowledge

Missile systems experience

Cross-functional teamwork

Test instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vibration tables

Thermal chambers

Data acquisition

Harnessing and wiring

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.

Developmental Test/Environmental Test Engineer

(Testing, Validation & MIL-STD-810 - or equivalent - Design Integration)

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

Pay range for this role

$130,000 - $205,000 USD

What's in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 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.