Prototype and Development Manufacturing Supervisor

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with company match

4 weeks of paid time off

12 annual holidays

Job summary

A leading technology company in San Luis Obispo, California, is looking for a Prototype and Development Manufacturing Supervisor to lead execution across prototype builds and systems integration. The ideal candidate will have 5–8+ years in aerospace, UAV, or robotics, and proven leadership experience. Key responsibilities include managing technician teams, enforcing safety protocols, and coordinating with various engineering disciplines. This role offers a pay range of $104,000 - $118,000 and benefits like 401k matching, paid time off, and comprehensive health plans.

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 and flight-capable work.
• Partner with Engineering to align execution with design intent.

Skills

Aerospace knowledge

Team leadership

Prototype integration

Conflict-resolution skills

Communication skills

Job description

Prototype and Development Manufacturing Supervisor

San Luis Obispo, California

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 - $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

Notes

Zone 5 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.