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Payload Lead

About DZYNE

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 Title: Payload Lead

Location: Irvine, CA - Hybrid

Work Arrangement: Remote / Hybrid, with up to 50% travel required and occasional weekend work based on business needs.

Position Summary:

The Payload Lead supports Flight Operations by overseeing the integration, testing, and training of all current and future payload systems used in UAS missions. This role ensures payload capabilities meet mission requirements and remain reliable, fully operational, and optimized for performance. Acting as a key liaison across engineering, logistics, project management, and finance, the Payload Lead represents operator needs throughout the lifecycle of payload systems. In addition to oversight, the position involves active participation in activities such as operator training, vendor meetings, and technical reviews. The Payload Lead is expected to develop strong technical expertise in payload systems to provide informed guidance and support mission readiness.

Required Duties and Responsibilities:

Actively participate in and oversee integration and testing of payload systems on behalf of Flight Operations, ensuring compatibility, functionality, and performance. Engage in operator training sessions, vendor meetings, and technical reviews to represent operational requirements and drive mission effectiveness.
Develop comprehensive technical expertise in payload systems to serve as a trusted subject matter authority, ensuring informed guidance and effective representation of operational requirements.
Identify technological gaps between customer requirements and current equipment offerings to forecast needed changes or improvements.
Stay informed on emerging technologies and recommend upgrades or new payload capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness.
Design, deliver, and/or host training for operators on payload usage, maintenance, and best practices, coordinating closely with the Training Manager to ensure alignment with organizational training standards and schedules.
Establish and/or maintain processes to ensure all payload systems are fully mission capable, including identifying partially/non-mission capable systems promptly, coordinating repairs or replacements, and minimizing mission impact through proactive maintenance and resource management.
Manage all current and future payloads, including but not limited to:
- EO/IR Cameras (e.g., MX-15)
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
- Automatic Identification System (AIS)
- Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)
- Mission Management Software
- Mapping Applications
- Chat Clients (e.g., mIRC)
Create and distribute weekly status reports covering the status of all payloads to leadership for operational visibility and decision-making.
Maintain technical documentation, operational standards, and compliance requirements for payload systems.
Work closely with Engineering, Flight Operations, Logistics, and Finance and other teams as required to ensure seamless integration and continued mission readiness.
Track payload reliability and mission impact metrics to inform decision-making.
May be required to deploy to operational locations to supplement crews, deliver on-the-job training (OJT), and assist with mission readiness activities.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support operational objectives.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

5+ years as a payload manager leading payload integration, testing, operator training, and mission readiness across EO/IR, SAR, AIS, and SIGINT; or
6+ years as an operational payload user employing these systems in live missions, with documented proficiency, troubleshooting, and contribution to training/OJT.
Ability to create and maintain operator training programs and manuals for UAS payloads and mission systems.
Ability to develop, deliver and/or host technical training programs.
Excellent problem solving, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, reporting, and presentation tasks.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic operational environments.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

Familiarity with UAS systems.
Cross-functional collaboration skills.
Independently identifies operational needs, prioritizes work, and executes tasks without direct supervision; consistently meets objectives to a high standard.
Experience in UAS payload integration and testing.
Experience in logistics coordination and lifecycle management.
Ability to analyze technology gaps and forecast improvements.
Strong technical knowledge of EO/IR, SAR, AIS, SIGINT systems, mapping tools, chat clients, and mission software.

Education:

Associate’s degree in Aviation Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field is required.
Equivalent military or civil aviation operational or management experience may substitute for formal education.

Clearance Level Required: Secret - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance, as required for the role.

Travel Required: 25-50%

Working Conditions:

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.

Work performed may be in a harsh climate and often in hazardous situations. While performing the duties of this position, one may regularly be exposed to extreme and austere desert or other 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:

Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, and lift a minimum of 35-50 lbs.
Regularly required to crouch and reach to install/move equipment by bending forward at the waist or by bending legs and spine.
Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Work Authorization Requirement:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Salary: $130,000–$170,000 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 offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.

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.

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