Zone 5 Technologies logo
Specialized IT, Defense Technology (speculative), Consulting

Reliability Engineer - EE Systems IV/V

San Luis Obispo, CAOnsiteFull Time$161,000–$235,000 /yrPosted 2 days agoVisa sponsorship available

Is this role right for you?

Upload your resume and get a skill-by-skill breakdown — see exactly where you match, where you're close, and what to highlight. Not a mystery percentage.

Get a tailored resume highlighting what this role needs.

Required skills

  • avionics
  • power
  • electronic assemblies
  • component selection
  • thermal management
  • circuit design
  • failure analysis

Nice to have

  • security clearance
  • E-Verify

Role summary

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a Reliability Engineer for its EE Systems team to ensure the reliability of electrical and electronic systems in unmanned aircraft systems. This individual contributor role involves performing reliability analysis, FMECA, derating analysis, and supporting testing and FRACAS. The engineer will influence design decisions and produce customer deliverables. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years of experience in reliability engineering for high-reliability industries are required. Strong knowledge of reliability methods, failure mechanisms, and schematic review is essential.

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in precision weapons and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Our team of engineers and innovators are developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions to deliver affordable and scalable precision weapons, interceptors, and UAS.

We're building the next generation of munitions and unmanned systems for the United States and its allies. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on defense technology, you belong here.

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.

The Reliability Engineer, EE Systems is an individual contributor role responsible for ensuring the reliability of Zone 5's electrical and electronic systems across the product lifecycle. This position performs reliability analysis on avionics, power, and electronic assemblies, influences design decisions through data-driven analysis, and produces the reliability deliverables our customers require.

Responsibilities:

  • Reliability Predictions: Perform reliability predictions for electronic assemblies and systems using MIL-HDBK-217F, Telcordia SR-332, FIDES, or other customer-accepted methods.
  • FMECA: Lead Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analyses (FMECA) for electrical and electronic hardware per MIL-STD-1629A or equivalent.
  • Derating Analysis: Perform parts stress and derating analysis and work with designers to resolve overstressed components.
  • Design Influence: Participate in design reviews and provide reliability recommendations on component selection, thermal management, and circuit design.
  • Reliability Testing: Plan and support reliability testing including HALT, HASS, ESS, and reliability growth testing.
  • FRACAS: Support the Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS), including failure analysis of returned or failed electronic hardware.
  • Parts Management: Support parts selection, obsolescence management, and counterfeit parts prevention practices.
  • Customer Deliverables: Author reliability reports and contract data deliverables and support customer reviews.
  • Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in reliability engineering for electronic hardware in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries.
  • Skills:
  • Strong working knowledge of reliability prediction methods, FMECA, and derating analysis.
  • Understanding of electronic component failure mechanisms and physics of failure.
  • Ability to read schematics and review designs in Altium.
  • Experience with environmental and accelerated life testing.
  • Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills.
  • U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.
  • Preferred Qualifications:

  • ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE).
  • Experience with reliability analysis software (e.g., Relyence, ReliaSoft, Windchill Quality).
  • Experience with munitions or long-term dormant storage reliability.
  • Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-338 and solder joint / thermal cycling reliability.
  • Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain
  • Level IV: $161,000 - $200,000

    Level V: $198,000 - $235,000

    Pay range for this role$161,000—$235,000 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
  • 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.

    Ready to apply?
    You'll be redirected to Zone 5 Technologies's application page.

    Similar roles

    See how RiseMe works

    Match, tailor, and prep so you send fewer applications and land more interviews.