Reliability Engineer - EE Systems IV/V

Location: San Luis Obispo, California

Department: Electrical Engineering

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