Chief Engineer

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: Chief Engineer - Unmanned Aircraft

Location: Irvine, CA

Position Description

DZYNE is seeking a Chief Engineer 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, robotics, or consumer products.
• Strong background in system design, software integration, and automation for mission-critical platforms.
• Deep experience with software-driven configuration management tying design, manufacturing, and testing together.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and production test infrastructure.
• Experience driving hardware productization across mechanical and electrical domains
• Experience leading small to medium size engineering teams in aerospace or defense projects.
• Experience leading testing, data analysis to support model improvements and root cause investigation of failures and implementing design improvements
• 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

• Experience with modular payload architectures, autonomy frameworks, or ATAK plugin integration.
• Familiarity with simulation frameworks and automated testing pipelines for UAV or robotic systems.
• Track record of turning advanced R&D prototypes into scalable, field-ready products.
  
  

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: No Clearance Required

Travel: Less than 15%

Working Conditions: The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as general office environment or warehouse, to field testing 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.

• Ability to work in a standard office environment, using computer and other office equipment.
• Capability to travel to field sites, including manufacturing facilities, test sites, or operational environments.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally for handling technical equipment or documentation.
  
  

Salary: $160,000 – $210,000 annually

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.