Flight Test Operator

About the role

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. We are seeking practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end daily flight test campaign execution
• Acting as Remote Pilot in Command for Zipline’s Autonomous Aircraft
• Executing mission profiles, feature testing, and fault injection testing
• Validate functionality through repeatable ground and flight test procedures
• Troubleshoot and repair software and hardware issues on-site to return aircraft to flight
• Summarize test results: provide qualitative and quantitative analysis on the performance of an aircraft as it completes its mission
• Compare test results to a set of expected outcomes provided by engineering
• Escalate flight performance anomalies to engineering and safety, driving discussion towards resolution
• Enforce and improve site safety: manage risks for prototype flights, run briefings and debriefs, and refine SOPs to reduce repeat failures

Requirements

• FAA Part 107 certification (required at time of joining)
• Experience piloting drones or manned aircraft
• Demonstrated aeronautical decision making and accountability: experience owning go/no-go decisions, creating preflight checklists, and escalating safety incidents with clear documentation
• Operational intensity and logistics: Comfortable working in failure-heavy, iterative field environments where rapid diagnostics and repairs under time pressure are routine; able to lift and move 50+ lb equipment and work outdoors for multi-hour test windows
• Ownership and communication: Proven ability to own test campaigns end-to-end, make safety-forward go/no-go decisions, document results clearly, and coordinate across engineering, safety, and manufacturing to drive closure

Qualifications

• Nice-to-have: Linux command-line comfort, rapid-prototyping skills (3D printing, basic machining), and experience with automated flight systems

Benefits

Equal opportunity employer. Zipline values diversity and welcomes applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech.

Pay

Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This role is onsite at a Zipline test site (outdoor/field conditions). Expect to work weekends and night shifts, and occasional regional travel between test sites when required.