Zone 5 Technologies · 1 day ago
Software Engineering Manager – Embedded Software
San Luis Obispo, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$200K/yr - $220K/yr
7+ years expZone 5 Technologies is redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems, developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions. The Software Engineering Manager will oversee the development and maintenance of software systems for UAVs, leading a team of engineers and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
AerospaceManufacturingMechanical Engineering
Responsibilities
Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing software engineering team developing mission-critical embedded software for UAV flight control, communications, mission planning, and data processing
Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance for embedded software systems, ensuring scalability, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance
Coordinate with product and program managers to define project scope, allocate resources, set priorities, and manage software development schedules for flight control, mission management, and payload software programs
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering groups to ensure seamless integration of software with hardware, sensors, communication systems, and ground control systems
Oversee verification and validation activities, including unit testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and flight testing to ensure performance, robustness, and safety of delivered software
Ensure development follows certification frameworks and safety standards such as DO-178C, ARP4754, and other UAV regulatory requirements
Evaluate emerging technologies and drive adoption into product roadmaps, supporting advancement in autonomy, communications, and mission capabilities
Help refine development best practices, coding standards, test methodologies, and documentation processes to support scalability and efficiency
Align software engineering goals with product, business, and operational requirements by coordinating closely with program and product management, systems engineering, hardware engineering, and flight operations teams
Ensure creation and maintenance of high-quality documentation including design artifacts, test plans, certification documentation, and user manuals
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
Minimum of 7+ years of software engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership, management, or team-lead role
Strong background in embedded or aerospace software development, with experience in UAV systems strongly preferred
Familiarity with programming languages and modeling tools used in embedded and control systems (e.g., C, C++, C#, Python, MATLAB, Simulink)
Understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), flight control systems, and communication protocols (e.g., STANAG-4586, ARINC-825, MAVLink)
Experience with network protocols (UDP, TCP, DNS, DHCP) and working with networked embedded devices
Knowledge of software development lifecycle tools and workflow systems (Git, GitHub, JIRA, CI/CD)
Demonstrated ability to lead diverse technical teams, communicate effectively, and drive results in a fast-paced engineering environment
Familiarity with safety-critical systems and certification standards such as DO-178C and ARP4754
Preferred
Experience with autonomy-enabling technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, or advanced sensor fusion
Knowledge of satellite or long-range communication technologies relevant to UAV platforms
Prior involvement in scaling engineering teams or multi-program software organizations
Benefits
Competitive total compensation package
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
Company
Zone 5 Technologies
Zone 5 Technologies is an aviation component manufacturing company that develops and tests unmanned aircraft systems.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2025-12-17Acquired
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