Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer

Zone 5 Technologies•San Luis Obispo, CA

2d•$142,000 - $230,000

About The Position

Zone 5 Technologies, LLC is seeking an Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer to lead environmental testing, validation, and design integration for advanced counter-drone drone and missile systems supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs. The role combines hands-on test execution with early-phase design input to help ensure platforms perform in demanding operational environments. The engineer will develop and execute environmental test plans, work with design teams to apply test findings to hardware architecture and packaging, oversee testing across environmental conditions, and coordinate EMI/EMC testing with internal teams and outside laboratories. The position also serves as a technical interface to third-party test houses and applies knowledge of missile systems and counter-UAS platforms to create realistic, mission-relevant qualification plans. The role requires at least five years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems engineering, direct experience with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing, and a bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering. A master's degree is preferred. Compensation is listed at $142,000–$230,000 per year, with Level IV and Level V ranges specified in the posting.

Requirements

At least 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 or industry standards.
Experience identifying root causes of failures and incorporating findings into early design phases.
Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, including power and harnessing, enclosures, and electronics packaging under extreme conditions.
Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, vibration tables, thermal chambers, and data collection tools.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.

Responsibilities

Develop, author, and execute environmental test plans compliant with MIL-STD-810 and related military standards.
Work with design engineering teams to incorporate test-derived insights into hardware architecture, material selection, and packaging to improve reliability and survivability.
Translate environmental qualification needs into design guidelines and lead early-phase design reviews for environmental readiness.
Conduct and oversee shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, rain, and sand/dust testing.
Coordinate and support EMI/EMC testing with external laboratories and internal electrical teams.
Plan test setups, including harnessing, fixturing, instrumentation, and data acquisition strategies.
Serve as the primary technical interface for third-party test houses, coordinating logistics, validating setup integrity, and ensuring test fidelity.
Use knowledge of missile systems and counter-UAS platforms to guide realistic, mission-relevant test planning.
Identify root causes of failures and apply findings during early design phases.