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.

We are seeking an Aerodynamics CFD Engineer with experience in applied computational fluid dynamics to join our Aerodynamics team. Our ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in a productionized environment within the field of applied CFD in advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). 

We are looking for candidates that embody a solid understanding of fluid dynamics, aerodynamic design, mechanical integration, and aircraft performance. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated use of tools in their tool belt ranging from hand, 1-D/2-D calculations, computational methods, wind tunnels, and flight testing of physical hardware in validating their designs and meeting their objectives. This individual avoids siloing and consciously balances priority and speed with scaling products, and they have a mission focused on supporting our customers. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct high fidelity CFD simulations to assess aerodynamic, mechanical, thermal, and aircraft performance impact of designs. 
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (structures, propulsion, controls, systems engineering) to integrate aerodynamic insights into the overall design. 
• Aerodynamic database generation involving high performance UAS systems. 
• Validate CFD models using combinations of wind tunnel testing and flight test data. 
• Develop, extend, and mature automated productionized CFD environments. 
• Assist in the development of bench test, wind tunnel test, and flight test method, data reduction, and analysis. 
• Preparing technical reports, presentations, and design documentation. 
• Present findings to key stakeholders and internal/external customers. 

Required Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizenship or equivalent status required for defense-related work. 
• A Masters’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with experience is preferred. Bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant experience is required. 
• 3+ (5+ years w/ BS) years of applied industrial CFD with a focus on aerodynamics, particularly around high-performance aircraft and / or UAVs. Experience in high performance based automotive external and internal aerodynamics may be considered with sufficient theoretical background and interest in flight dynamics. 
• Demonstrable experience building and maintaining high fidelity aerodynamic modeling tools for performance, loads, and database generation. 
• Experience with detailed geometry handling and simulation setup for coupled OML/IML simulations involving heat transfer and vehicle aerodynamics. 
• Experience in a productionized environment using commercial Navier-Stokes based CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent / CFX, STAR-CCM+, etc.) including geometry preparation, mesh generation, and simulation debugging. 
• Experience programming and developing packages in Python and Java. 
• Experience with data visualization tools, e.g. MATLAB & Python, Tecplot, ParaView and working in a version control environment, e.g. git. 
• Industrial wind tunnel testing: test matrix design, model design, techniques, instrumentation, and data reduction. 
• Experience working with real hardware flying in subsonic, transonic, and high-speed aerodynamics. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Demonstrated aerodynamic surfacing capability in NX, Rhino, or equivalent. 
• Optimization of aerodynamic surfaces in automated CFD simulation environment. 
• Bookkeeping and design of aerodynamic heat transfer systems. 
• Control and design of simulation datasets for intra-team access. 
• Working knowledge of applicable MIL-STDs. 
• Security clearance (or eligibility) is a plus. 

For candidates based in San Luis Obispo, California, the annual base salary range for this role is $120,000 – $190,000/year USD. The final compensation package will be determined based on factors including but not limited to experience, skills, qualifications, and internal pay equity. 

Pay range for this role$120,000—$190,000 USD

What’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 
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 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! 

Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid-west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.

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.