Developmental Test Engineer
Environmental qualification & design engineer at a defense UAS company who authors and executes MIL-STD-810 environmental test plans (shock, vibration, temperature, EMI/EMC) for counter-drone and missile systems, coordinates third-party test labs, and feeds test findings back into early hardware design.
- Compensation
- $130K–$205K / yr
- Location
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Qa
- Posted
Must have
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems engineering
- Direct hands-on expertise in MIL-STD-810 environmental testing
- Working knowledge of DO-160 and/or related military/industry standards
- Experience in root cause failure analysis and incorporating insights into early design phases
- Solid understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems, including 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
Full 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.
Developmental Test/Environmental Test Engineer
(Testing, Validation & MIL-STD-810 - or equivalent - Design Integration)
Zone 5 Technologies, LLC is seeking a highly skilled Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer to lead the environmental testing, validation, and design integration of advanced counter-drone drone and missile systems for U.S. Department of Defense programs. This role requires a deep understanding of MIL-STD-810, EMI/EMC, and missile systems—blending hands-on test execution with early-phase design input to ensure our platforms perform in the most demanding operational environments.
Key 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.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems engineering.
- Direct hands-on expertise in environmental testing, with working knowledge of and/or related military/industry standards.