Manufacturing Engineer I/II - 2nd Shift

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company-match

Paid time off

Sick time

Holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking Manufacturing Engineers Level I and II in California to support day-to-day production and scale UAV systems. Level I focuses on learning processes and supporting documentation; Level II owns processes, documentation, and continuous improvement on multiple programs.

You will collaborate with engineers, technicians, and operations to optimize assembly lines. Required: a relevant bachelor's degree and 0–2 years (Level I) or 2+ years aerospace manufacturing (Level II).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 0–2 years manufacturing or production engineering experience.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and drawings.
• Strong communication and learning mindset.
• 2+ years aerospace or high‑reliability manufacturing experience.
• Strong print reading and basic GD&T proficiency.
• Experience supporting production builds and issue resolution.
• Comfortable working independently on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Level I: Support assembly of electromechanical, avionics, and mechanical assemblies; assist in creating and updating work instructions, travelers, and build documentation; assist with tooling, fixtures, and basic process improvements; participate in first article and validation builds; collect production data and support continuous improvement initiatives; gain exposure to automation, robotics, and manufacturing software systems; follow AS9100, safety, and configuration control requirements.
• Level II: Own manufacturing processes for electromechanical, avionics, and mechanical assemblies; develop and maintain work instructions, routings, and assembly documentation; troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions; support tooling and fixture design in partnership with engineering; lead first article and process validation activities; support automation and semi-automated processes; interface with quality on NCRs, MRB actions, and corrective actions; support production rate increases and takt time improvements.

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.

Role Summary for Level I:

The Manufacturing Engineer I supports day-to-day production activities while learning manufacturing processes, tooling, documentation, and quality requirements for UAV systems. This role works closely with technicians, assemblers, quality, and supply chain to support stable production.

Role Summary for Level II:

The Manufacturing Engineer II independently owns manufacturing processes for assigned assemblies or production areas. This role balances quality, schedule, and cost while supporting scalable production of UAV systems. Tasks and responsibilities expected for this role include those captured by lower role specific levels.

This role involves working closely with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams to support multiple programs and value streams.

Key Responsibilities for Level I:

• Support assembly of:
• Electromechanical assemblies
• Avionics assemblies and subassemblies
• Mechanical structures and components
• Assist in creating and updating work instructions, travelers, and build documentation
• Assist with tooling, fixtures, and basic process improvements
• Participate in first article and validation builds
• Collect production data and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Gain exposure to automation, robotics, and manufacturing software systems
• Follow AS9100, safety, and configuration control requirements

Key responsibilities for Level II (In addition to Level I):

• Own manufacturing processes for electromechanical, avionics, and mechanical assemblies
• Develop and maintain work instructions, routings, and assembly documentation
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions
• Support tooling and fixture design in partnership with engineering
• Lead first article and process validation activities
• Support automation and semi-automated processes
• Interface with quality on NCRs, MRB actions, and corrective actions
• Support production rate increases and takt time improvements

Qualifications for Level I:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• 0–2 years manufacturing or production engineering experience
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and drawings
• Strong communication and learning mindset

Qualifications for Level II (In addition to Level I):

• 2+ years aerospace or high‑reliability manufacturing experience
• Strong print reading and basic GD&T proficiency
• Experience supporting production builds and issue resolution
• Comfortable working independently on the shop floor
• Strong communication and learning mindset

2nd Shift Hours are 3:00pm to 11:30pm

Level I: $79,000 - $103,000

Level II: $93,000 - $120,000

Pay range for this role

$79,000 - $120,000 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 .

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

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.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.