Director of Engineering - UAS

Description WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA FLSA STATUS: Exempt SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $ 161 , 1 00 to $ 194 ,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. SUMMARY Redwire is seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Director of Supply Chain to help lead our international Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Director of Global Supply Chain, the Deputy Director owns day-to-day operating execution across the domestic supply chain and deputizes for the Director as needed. The role guides and implements the policies and processes that optimize end-to-end operations across procurement, production planning, logistics, and supplier management, drives data-driven performance and continuous improvement, and develops the site management team. Strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to drive operational excellence are central to meeting customer demand, reducing cost, and strengthening overall supply chain performance. RESPONSIBILITIES The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties. Serve as deputy to the Director of Supply Chain, owning day-to-day operating execution across the domestic sites (San Luis Obispo, Huntsville, and Ann Arbor) and stepping in for the Director as needed. Manage core supply chain functions across sites, including procurement, materials management, supply chain planning, and supplier relationship management. Drive the analytics process in partnership with the Analytics team: define KPIs and baselines for on-time delivery, spend, supplier performance, and inventory, set the reporting cadence, and lead return-to-green plans for critical suppliers. Lead, coach, mentor, and develop site managers and buyers, and onboard and train new managers, including extended on-site support during the stand-up of new site leadership. Coordinate cross-site strategy, communication, and shared procurement, including combined sourcing across San Luis Obispo and Huntsville. Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, and support or lead negotiations to drive cost savings. Support the Director's compliance program, including CPSR, DCMA surveillance, FAR and DFARS, and content and trade requirements such as the Berry Amendment, NDAA, and TAA, working alongside the Compliance function to keep execution aligned with requirements. Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and ERP (Odoo) initiatives to enhance supply chain visibility, efficiency, and agility. Monitor supply chain risk and develop contingency and business continuity plans. Travel to company and supplier sites as needed to support execution, onboarding, training, and supplier engagement. Collaborate across functions, including engineering, manufacturing, programs, quality, contracts, and finance, to synchronize supply chain activity. Support global supply chain strategy in alignment with the company's business objectives, and stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS The following are non-exhaustive qualifications for the position: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management , Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is highly desirable. 10+ years in progressively senior supply chain or operations leadership, preferably in aerospace, defense, or aviation, with exposure to UAS/UAV products a plus. Strong understanding of procurement, materials management, production planning, logistics, and inventory management. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute supply chain strategies that align with business objectives. Experience with DCMA and DoD FAR and DFARS supply chain regulations and government purchasing system (CPSR) expectations. Strong negotiation and supplier management skills, with a track record of managing complex supplier relationships and driving cost savings. Experience implementing supply chain digitalization, including advanced analytics, automation, and ERP systems. Proficiency in supply chain analytics and the use of data-driven insights to guide decisions and process improvements. Strong leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to develop and motivate a high-performing, multi-site team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on operational efficiency and continuous improvement. Solid organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles is desirable. Willingness to travel to company and supplier sites as needed. A commitment to continual learning and growth, as a leader and in the field. REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS Matching 401(k) Paid PTO Paid holidays Medical, vision, and dental insurance Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability HSA and FSA Options Critical Care Plan Accident Care Plan Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP) CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed. REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.

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. Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a Senior Director of Business Development to lead and unify the company's business development function across its International Business Development team and Portfolio BD Directors. This is a senior leadership role for an executive who has built and led winning BD organizations — either inside a successful defense start-up or within a major defense prime supporting an emerging product line — and who brings the technical and operational credibility to guide portfolio-level prioritization, not just manage a pipeline. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Senior Director will ensure business development priorities align with Zone 5's corporate vision, translate strategy into resourced pursuit plans, and identify “bold” plays — high-value, high-risk opportunities that require accelerated effort, dedicated tasking, and executive-level vision to win. This individual will be the connective layer between capture-level execution and enterprise strategy, working daily with Portfolio Vice Presidents and Finance to set price-to-win positioning and with BD Directors to keep pursuits prioritized, resourced, and moving. This position is promotable to Vice President, Business Development based on demonstrated performance, pipeline growth, and organizational impact.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES BD Leadership & Team Oversight * Lead, mentor, and manage the International Business Development team and Portfolio BD Directors, setting clear pursuit priorities, performance expectations, and capture discipline across the organization. * Establish consistent capture processes and reporting cadences across portfolios and international geographies to give executive leadership a unified view of the BD pipeline. * Build BD bench strength through coaching, structured pursuit reviews, and hands-on involvement in the highest-priority opportunities. Opportunity Prioritization & Capture Strategy * Apply deep, hands-on knowledge of the general defense capture process — both intra-Department of War (with a domestic U.S. emphasis) and international — to help Portfolio Vice Presidents and BD Directors correctly prioritize opportunities against resourcing and probability of win. * Partner with Portfolio VPs to assess opportunity qualification, technical fit, and program timing, ensuring pursuit decisions are grounded in operational and technical realism rather than optimism. * Identify and elevate “bold” plays — strategically significant opportunities that fall outside normal pursuit cadence and require accelerated tasking, dedicated resources, and direct executive sponsorship to pursue credibly. Price-to-Win Strategy * Work directly with Portfolio Vice Presidents and Finance to develop and refine price-to-win strategy for priority pursuits, balancing competitive positioning against margin and delivery realities. * Bring technical and operational judgment to price-to-win discussions, ensuring cost and schedule assumptions reflect genuine system and program maturity rather than aspirational positioning. * Standardize a repeatable price-to-win methodology that can be applied consistently across portfolios and international campaigns. Executive Alignment & Strategic Reporting * Report directly to the Chief Strategy Officer on BD pipeline health, prioritization decisions, resourcing gaps, and pursuit outcomes. * Ensure BD priorities remain aligned with company vision and strategic plan, flagging misalignment between pursuit activity and corporate direction early. * Proactively highlight resource needs — people, funding, or executive engagement — required to win priority pursuits, and make the case for reallocation when warranted. * Serve as a key voice in strategic planning discussions, ensuring BD perspective informs company-level investment and portfolio decisions.   REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * Minimum of 5 years of business development experience within a successful defense start-up or a major defense prime, with direct responsibility for an emerging product line. * Deep understanding of the general defense capture process, both intra-Department of War and international, with particular strength in domestic U.S. capture. * Strong technical and operational pedigree sufficient to credibly guide Portfolio Vice Presidents and BD Directors on opportunity prioritization and technical fit. * Demonstrated experience developing price-to-win strategy in direct partnership with Finance and Portfolio/Program leadership. * Prior experience managing, mentoring, or directly leading a team of business development professionals. * Ability to operate effectively at the executive level, translating strategy into resourced, prioritized action across a distributed BD organization. * Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field preferred. * Active U.S. Secret clearance required. Preferred * 10 years of business development experience * Top Secret/SCI clearance. * Prior U.S. military experience (uniformed or civilian) in a role relevant to weapons systems, capability development, and acquisition. * Experience leading BD across multiple mission areas or product portfolios simultaneously. * Established relationships across the U.S. Department of War acquisition community and/or international defense customers. * Experience standing up or maturing a formal capture and price-to-win process within a growing organization. CORE COMPETENCIES * Executive judgment — balances technical realism, financial discipline, and strategic ambition when prioritizing pursuits. * Team leadership — builds, coaches, and holds accountable a distributed team of BD Directors across portfolios and geographies. * Capture process mastery — fluent in both domestic DoW and international capture pathways, from qualification through award. * Cross-functional financial acumen — partners credibly with Finance and Portfolio VPs on price-to-win and margin trade-offs. * Strategic communication — translates pipeline complexity into clear, decision-ready input for the Chief Strategy Officer and executive leadership. Pay range for this role $225,000—$250,000 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  * 4 weeks of paid time off each year * 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 [https://www.e-verify.gov].