Platform Engineer III

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.

We are seeking a talented and versatile Platform Engineer to enhance our software infrastructure for aircraft systems in government and defense applications. This role focuses on creating backend integrations with engineering and production environments, as well as developing frontend views to support seamless data visualization and user interactions. Our tech stack is built upon C, C++, C#, and python in server, desktop, and RTOS environments. The ideal candidate will bridge development and operations, ensuring reliable, scalable, and secure systems that integrate with aircraft hardware, avionics, payloads, and mission planning software.

Responsibilities

• Backend Integration: Design and implement backend integrations connecting engineering tools, production systems, and aircraft components (e.g., avionics data streams, mission planning APIs) to ensure efficient data flow and automation.
• Frontend Development: Create intuitive frontend views and user interfaces for monitoring, controlling, and analyzing aircraft and business operations, using modern web technologies to provide real-time insights and dashboards.
• CI/CD Pipeline Management: Build and maintain continuous integration and deployment pipelines to automate testing, builds, and releases across development, staging, and production environments.
• Infrastructure Automation: Manage cloud and on-premises infrastructure using IaC (Infrastructure as Code) tools to support scalable software deployments.
• System Monitoring and Security: Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting systems; ensure compliance with defense standards (e.g., DoD security requirements) and best practices for data integrity and cybersecurity.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with software engineers, hardware teams, and program managers to integrate DevOps practices into development workflows.
• Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve bottlenecks in backend and frontend systems to improve reliability, speed, and user experience in mission-critical applications.
• Documentation and Best Practices: Maintain comprehensive documentation for integrations, views, and processes; promote DevOps culture through training and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience: 4+ years in DevOps, backend development, or full-stack engineering, with hands-on experience in aerospace, defense, or similar high-tech industries preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Server: Highly proficiency with Linux or POSIX environments and tools (eg. Shell scripting, log management, administration).
• Backend: Proficiency in languages like Python, Node.js, or Go; experience with APIs, databases (e.g., SQL/NoSQL), and integration tools (e.g., Kafka, RESTful services).
• Frontend: Proficient in HTML/CSS/JavaScript and frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular for creating responsive views.
• DevOps Tools: Expertise in CI/CD (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), IaC (Terraform, Ansible), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Reporting and Telemetry: Strong background in the use of telemetry tools (eg. DataDog, New Relic, Signoz), and reporting tools (eg. Grafana, Superset, Tableau), experience with OpenTelemetry is a plus.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot complex integrations and optimize systems for performance and security.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Defense Industry Experience: Familiarity with DoD standards, ITAR, or secure environments is a plus.
• Certifications: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Kubernetes Administrator, or similar are advantageous.

To ensure you've read this description, please start your summary with a sentence that names your favorite tool for the job (Linux, Python, Kubernetes, Terraform, whatever you actually like) and one reason you like it. Applications without this phrase will not be reviewed.

Pay range for this role

$130,000—$155,000 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.