Prototype and Development Manufacturing Supervisor

Zone 5 Technologies; California (MO); On-site; USD 104,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life

401k with company match

4 weeks of paid time off each year

12 annual company holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in California is seeking a Prototype and Development Supervisor to lead day-to-day execution across prototype build and systems integration activities. The ideal candidate will oversee a team, enforce safety procedures, and ensure effective cross-functional coordination. With a background in aerospace or UAV sectors and strong leadership skills, you will drive innovation in the UAS technology space. A comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary range of $104,000 to $118,000 USD are offered.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in aerospace, UAV, robotics, or advanced development environments.
• Prior experience leading technical teams (supervisor or lead).
• Strong understanding of prototype build, integration, and test workflows.

Responsibilities

• Own daily execution across prototype build and systems integration work.
• Enforce safety procedures during powered, integrated, and flight-capable work.
• Partner with Engineering to align execution with design intent.

Skills

Communication skills

Conflict-resolution skills

Leadership in technical teams

Adaptability in fast-changing environments

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.

The Prototype and Development Supervisor leads day‑to‑day execution across prototype build and systems integration activities, ensuring development work is safe, disciplined, coordinated, and learning‑focused.

This role owns people leadership, daily priorities, and execution flow across Development and Systems Integration technicians, while respecting technical risk authority held by senior technical staff.

This role involves working closely with various engineering disciplines, production staff as needed, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Integration Execution

• Own daily execution across prototype build and systems integration work


• Coordinate priorities across Development and Integration to maintain a tight learning loop


• Balance competing demands across multiple programs and value streams


• Directly manage Development and Systems Integration Technicians


• Set clear expectations, provide coaching, and address performance issues


• Support skill development and readiness for promotion


• Ensure staffing and coverage align with development priorities

Safety & Discipline

• Enforce safety procedures during powered, integrated, and flight‑capable work


• Support stop‑work decisions when safety or risk thresholds are exceeded

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Partner with Engineering to align execution with design intent


• Coordinate with Flight Test for readiness and scheduling


• Work with Manufacturing to support clean prototype → production transitions


• Improve development execution cadence and predictability


• Identify friction in handoffs and remove blockers


• Support standardization without suppressing learning

Decision Authority

• Sets daily priorities and task sequencing


• Assigns work across Development and Integration teams


• Escalates technical risk decisions appropriately


• Recommends staffing and development actions

Required Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in aerospace, UAV, robotics, or advanced development environments


• Prior experience leading technical teams (supervisor or lead)


• Strong understanding of prototype build, integration, and test workflows


• Proven ability to lead in ambiguous, fast‑changing environments


• Strong communication and conflict‑resolution skills

Pay range for this role: $104,000 USD – $118,000 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

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.