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Zone 5 Technologies · 11 hours ago

Sr. Developmental Test Engineer

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$170K/yr - $205K/yr

12+ years exp

Zone 5 Technologies is a company focused on innovation in unmanned aircraft systems. They are seeking a Sr. Developmental Test Engineer to lead environmental testing and validation for advanced counter-drone systems, ensuring compliance with military standards and enhancing design integration.

AerospaceManufacturingMechanical Engineering

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

Qualification

MIL-STD-810EMI/EMCMissile systemsEnvironmental testingTest instrumentationRoot cause analysisMechanical systemsElectrical systemsData collection toolsCross-functional collaboration

Required

12–15 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