Prototype & Development Manufacturing Lead (UAS)

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking a Prototype & Development Manufacturing Supervisor to lead daily prototype build and systems integration activities. You will manage Development and Systems Integration Technicians, set priorities, and ensure safe, disciplined execution while coordinating with Engineering and Manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes coaching, readiness for promotion, and a strong learning loop across multiple programs.

Qualifications

• Experience leading prototype build and systems integration activities.
• Ability to manage priorities across multiple programs and value streams.
• Strong coaching and performance management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Enforce safety procedures during powered, integrated, and flight-capable work
• Support stop-work decisions when safety or risk thresholds are exceeded
• 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
• Sets daily priorities and task sequencing
• Assigns work across Development and Integration teams
• Escalates technical risk decisions appropriately

Skills

People leadership

Project coordination

Safety procedures

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Zone 5 Technologies in San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking a Prototype & Development Manufacturing Supervisor to lead daily prototype build and systems integration activities. You will manage Development and Systems Integration Technicians, set priorities, and ensure safe, disciplined execution while coordinating with Engineering and Manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes coaching, readiness for promotion, and a strong learning loop across multiple programs.