From Classroom to Flight Hall: Pili Zinkewich Is Shaping the Future of Military Drones
From Classroom to Flight Hall: Pili Zinkewich Is Shaping the Future of Military Drones
Fresh out of college, Pili Zinkewich didn’t ease her way into the defense tech world - she charged in. Today, she’s designing next-generation drone airframes at Knightwerx, a role that places her on the front lines of a fast-moving aerospace revolution. Her path into engineering, though, didn’t begin with military ambition or a lifelong fascination with aircraft. It started with something much simpler: curiosity, creativity, and a desire to build.
Why Knightwerx? A Mission That Matters
Breaking into the defense tech sector isn’t easy for any recent graduate, but Pili was determined. She combed through job boards, researched companies in depth, and sent out a flurry of applications. Knightwerx stood out - not just for its workin unmanned aerial systems (UAS), but for the opportunity to make an impact right away.
“When I saw what Knightwerx was doing, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” she says. “I didn’t have any prior connection to the military side of things, butI’ve always supported the troops. The mission here is meaningful - and that’s motivating.”
Walking into a defense contractor straight out of college might sound intimidating. But for Pili it felt surprisingly natural. “There was no culture shock,” she explains. “I felt comfortable right away. The team is supportive, and I get to work on cool stuff every day.”
Small Team, Big Exposure
At Knightwerx, Pili isn’t tucked away in a cubicle doing just one slice of the work. The company’s size means she’s exposed to every aspect of the drone development process - from mechanical to electrical integration. That breadth of experience, she says, is what sets Knightwerx apart.
“I interviewed at bigger companies,” she notes, “but it was clear I’d be kept in a narrow lane. Here, I’m involved in every step - and that’s helping me grow a lot faster.”
She also credits strong mentorship and open communication with smoothing the transition from student to professional. “There haven’t been any major surprises,” she says. “I’ve had the freedom to learn and the support to succeed.”
A Woman in Defense Tech - And the Shop
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Pili arrived prepared. “You saw the same gender dynamics at university,” she explains. “So I didn’t walk in expecting it to be different.”
Rather than focus on demographics, Pili cares more about people who bring knowledge, respect, and - just as important - a sense of fun. “That’s what makes a great team.”
Still, she recognizes that aerospace and defense tech can be a tough sell for young women, especially when the job involves time in the shop or working with messy machines.
“Sometimes the machines aren’t glamorous,” she laughs. “And the shop’s not clean. But that’s where you put theory into practice - and that’s where the learning happens.”
From Waves to Wings
When she’s not designing airframes, Pili is most likely in the ocean. A lifelong athlete and beachgoer, she caught the “surf bug” from family friends and hasn’t let go.
“I love being out there,” she says. “It’s physical, it’s mental, and it keeps me balanced.”
It’s more than a hobby - it’s a passion that connects in surprising ways to herwork at Knightwerx. For starters, surfboards are made from the same composites she uses in some drone wings. “I’ve spent a lot of time fixing dings inboards,” she laughs. “That hands-on work definitely helped.”
Eyes on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Pili sees a vast runway for growth - not just for herself, but for the drone industry as a whole … and Knightwerx.
“We’re at the start of something huge,” she says. “Drone technology is evolving fast, and defense is just one part of it. A lot of what we’re building will flow into the commercial sector too. There’s no limit to the applications.”
Personally, she’s driven to keep learning. “I don’t go a day without learning something new. That’s what keeps it exciting.”
Ultimately, though, Pili’s focus is simple: building something that lasts.
“I want to help Knightwerx create something meaningful … something I can point back to in five or ten years and say, ‘that aided our troops and I helped buildit.’ That would be a legacy I’d be proud of.”