Flight Test Site Manager
Zone 5 Technologies
- United States
- $110K – $142K /yr
- Mid Level
- Posted
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.
- Role Summary
At Zone 5 Technologies, Flight Test Site Managers lead the day-to-day operations, coordination, and execution of flight-test activities at remote test locations supporting multiple unmanned aircraft programs.
This role is highly hands-on, execution-focused, and leadership-driven, working cross-functionally with Flight Test, Engineering, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), Logistics, Safety, Security, and external range personnel to ensure flight-test operations are properly planned, resourced, and executed.
The Flight Test Site Manager serves as the primary operational leader at assigned test locations, responsible for site readiness, personnel coordination, equipment availability, infrastructure, and daily operational execution. This includes establishing and maintaining processes that enable safe, efficient, and repeatable flight-test operations.
In this role, you are expected to operate with extreme ownership, independently resolving operational challenges, anticipating resource requirements, and ensuring personnel and equipment are positioned to support scheduled testing. You will serve as the primary point of contact between remote flight-test operations and company leadership.
Responsibilities
Flight Test Site Operations & Leadership
Support daily flight-test site operations across multiple programs and test activities
Serve as the primary operational point of contact for assigned remote test locations
Coordinate personnel, facilities, equipment, and operational resources required for test execution
Establish daily operating priorities and communicate operational status to leadership
Identify and resolve operational challenges before they impact scheduled testing
Site Readiness & Infrastructure
Maintain operational readiness of test-site facilities, ground-support equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure
Coordinate site setup, mobilization, demobilization, and equipment staging
Ensure required communications, power, network connectivity, and support systems are available
Establish and maintain site operating procedures, inspection requirements, and readiness checklists
Coordinate facility maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure improvements
Personnel & Resource Coordination
Coordinate daily personnel assignments and operational support requirements with functional managers
Ensure qualified personnel and required resources are available for scheduled activities
Manage site-level resource conflicts and elevate unresolved priorities to operational leadership
Coordinate with Logistics to ensure equipment is properly tracked, maintained, and available
Support personnel onboarding, site orientation, training coordination, and operational accountability
Range Coordination & Operational Compliance
Serve as a primary interface with range representatives, test-site authorities, and external support organizations
Coordinate site access, operating restrictions, range requirements, and local procedures
Ensure personnel follow established safety, security, environmental, and operational requirements
Support operational risk assessments, readiness reviews, and test execution planning
Maintain site documentation, inspection records, and required operational reporting
Test Execution & Communication
Lead daily operational coordination meetings and communicate test-site readiness
Support flight-test execution by resolving personnel, equipment, facility, and scheduling constraints
Coordinate rapidly changing requirements resulting from weather, technical issues, or program priorities
Communicate operational risks, resource limitations, and schedule impacts to leadership
Support post-test activities, equipment accountability, and lessons-learned reviews
Process Development & Continuous Improvement
Develop standardized site operating procedures, checklists, and resource-management processes
Establish site readiness metrics and track recurring operational constraints
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, equipment utilization, and test-site capacity
Support expansion and activation of new remote flight-test locations
Drive accountability, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement across site operations
Qualifications
5–10+ years of experience in flight-test operations, aviation operations, military test operations, aerospace operations, or similar technical environments
Demonstrated experience coordinating personnel, equipment, facilities, and operational resources
Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex operations in remote or geographically separated environments
Strong understanding of operational safety, risk management, and procedural compliance
Ability to independently resolve problems, prioritize competing requirements, and make time-sensitive operational decisions
Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
Level III: $110,000 - $142,000
Level IV: $138,000 - $186,000
Level V: $179,000 - $211,000
Pay range for this role
- $110,000
- —
- $211,000 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.
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