Manufacturing Engineer I/II - 2nd Shift

Zone 5 Technologies
San Luis Obispo, CA
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Best suited to entry-to-mid-level engineers with a background in aerospace or mechanical systems, working in a collaborative, high-reliability manufacturing environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with a foundation in mechanical or aerospace engineering and a desire to contribute to next-generation UAS systems
    — “developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology”
  • Individuals seeking hands-on experience in electromechanical and avionics assembly processes
    — “Support assembly of: Electromechanical assemblies Avionics assemblies and subassemblies Mechanical structures and components”
  • Engineers who value collaboration across production, quality, and supply chain teams
    — “This role involves working closely with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams”

Things to consider

  • The 2nd shift hours may require evening work and could affect work-life balance
    — “2nd Shift Hours are 3:00pm to 11:30pm”
  • Candidates must be prepared to work in a high-reliability and regulated environment
    — “Follow AS9100, safety, and configuration control requirements”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with production documentation and process validation in your resume
    — “Participate in first article and validation builds”
  • Showcase your ability to troubleshoot and implement corrective actions in production settings
    — “Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions”
  • Emphasize your familiarity with GD&T and print reading if targeting Level II
    — “Strong print reading and basic GD&T proficiency”
  • Demonstrate your comfort with shop floor work and independent responsibilities
    — “Comfortable working independently on the shop floor”
  • Focus on continuous improvement initiatives and data collection in your application materials
    — “Collect production data and support continuous improvement initiatives”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • support assembly of electromechanical assemblies, avionics assemblies and subassemblies, mechanical structures and components
  • develop and maintain work instructions, routings, and assembly documentation
Typical background
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience)0–2 years manufacturing or production engineering experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Assembly Of Electromechanical AssembliesAvionics Assemblies And SubassembliesMechanical Structures And ComponentsWork InstructionsProduction Issue ResolutionToolingBasic Process ImprovementsFirst Article And Validation BuildsProduction Data CollectionAs9100 Compliance

Preferred

GD&T ProficiencyProduction Builds And Issue Resolution

Stack & domain

Manufacturing ProcessesToolingDocumentationQuality RequirementsUAV SystemsAssemblyWork InstructionsTravelersBuild DocumentationProduction Issue ResolutionFixturesProcess ImprovementsFirst ArticleValidation BuildsProduction DataContinuous ImprovementAutomationRoboticsManufacturing Software SystemsAs9100SafetyConfiguration ControlDrawingsGD&TProduction BuildsIssue ResolutionProduction Rate IncreasesTakt Time ImprovementsCommunicationLearning MindsetTeamworkProblem-solvingManufacturing

About the role

Original posting from Zone 5 Technologies via Greenhouse

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.

Role Summary for Level I:

The Manufacturing Engineer I supports day-to-day production activities while learning manufacturing processes, tooling, documentation, and quality requirements for UAV systems. This role works closely with technicians, assemblers, quality, and supply chain to support stable production. 

Role Summary for Level II:

The Manufacturing Engineer II independently owns manufacturing processes for assigned assemblies or production areas. This role balances quality, schedule, and cost while supporting scalable production of UAV systems. Tasks and responsibilities expected for this role include those captured by lower role specific levels. 

This role involves working closely with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams to support multiple programs and value streams. 

Key Responsibilities for Level I: 

Support assembly of: 

Electromechanical assemblies 

Avionics assemblies and subassemblies 

Mechanical structures and components 

Assist in creating and updating work instructions, travelers, and build documentation 

Support production issue resolution under guidance 

Assist with tooling, fixtures, and basic process improvements 

Participate in first article and validation builds 

Collect production data and support continuous improvement initiatives 

Gain exposure to automation, robotics, and manufacturing software systems 

Follow AS9100, safety, and configuration control requirements 

Key responsibilities for Level II (In addition to Level I):

Own manufacturing processes for electromechanical, avionics, and mechanical assemblies 

Develop and maintain work instructions, routings, and assembly documentation 

Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions 

Support tooling and fixture design in partnership with engineering 

Lead first article and process validation activities 

Support automation and semi-automated processes 

Interface with quality on NCRs, MRB actions, and corrective actions 

Support production rate increases and takt time improvements 

Qualifications for Level I:  

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience) 

0–2 years manufacturing or production engineering experience 

Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and drawings 

Strong communication and learning mindset 

Qualifications for Level II (In addition to Level I): 

2+ years aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing experience 

Strong print reading and basic GD&T proficiency 

Experience supporting production builds and issue resolution 

Comfortable working independently on the shop floor 

Strong communication and learning mindset 

2nd Shift Hours are 3:00pm to 11:30pm

Level I: $79,000 - $103,000

Level II: $93,000 - $120,000

Pay range for this role$79,000—$120,000 USDWhat's in it for you:

Benefits: 

Competitive total compensation package 

Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.

401k with company-match 

3 weeks of paid time off each year

40 hours of sick time

12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.

Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

Source: Zone 5 Technologies careers (Greenhouse)

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