Unmanned Aircraft Technical Lead

About DZYNE

DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready. We're growing fast, and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you'll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member's success.

Ready to do work that matters? Join us.

Position: Unmanned Aircraft Technical Lead

Location: Irvine, CA

Work Arrangement: 100% on-site with up to 10% travel.

Position Description:

DZYNE is seeking a Technical Lead to own the design, integration, and productization of this next generation SUAS system. You'll lead a distributed, cross-functional team spanning Software, Aero, GNC, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, Test, Manufacturing, and Quality, guiding the product from design through manufacturing and sustainment. This person must be deeply grounded in system design and software, as these will drive the platform's adaptability and mission capability; from ATAK plugin integration and autonomy behaviors to simulation environments and modular payload control.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Proven experience taking complex hardware/software products from prototype to full rate production in UAVs or robotics industry for the DoW.
• Strong background in system design, software integration, and automation for mission-critical platforms.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and production test infrastructure.
• Experience driving hardware productization across mechanical and electrical domains
• Characterize, analyze, test, and troubleshoot system hardware and software subsystems
• Interface effectively with users, customers, management, and other engineering personnel
• Ability to create and follow standard processes and clearly document results
• 10+ years of proven experience leading cross-functional technical teams through product development, from early design through production and field deployment

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Proficient with first principal sizing methods of multi-disciplinary aircraft systems
• Knowledge of aerodynamic stability and control modes, models, concepts, and coefficients
• Working knowledge of basic aircraft aerodynamics and performance
• Experience in designing robotic and aircraft systems
• Military and/or UAV experience is a plus
• Experience developing technical scope and basis of estimates for proposals

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field required.
• Master's degree is preferred, particularly in Autonomous Systems, Control Systems, or Systems Engineering.

Clearance Level Required: Secret Clearance - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance, as required for the role.

Export Control / ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations.

Travel: Less than 10%

Work Authorization Requirement:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Working Conditions:

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.

Work performed may be in a harsh climate and often in hazardous situations. While performing the duties of this position, one may regularly be exposed to extreme and austere desert or other environments.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 pounds occasionally for handling technical equipment or documentation.
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Salary: $160,000 - $210,000

Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus.

Benefits:

Our benefits are DZYNE'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, employee life and accidental death, and disability, with all premiums for our employees paid for by DZYNE Technologies. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401K plan with an employer match.

DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

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