Visual Observer

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

About the role

The Flight Test Operations team at Zipline is growing, and we’re looking for individuals with sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and exceptionally high standards. Success requires a process‑minded approach on every flight, a safety‑oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for using cutting‑edge technology to deliver goods and lifesaving medical supplies on three continents, seven days a week. You will monitor assigned airspace and conditions around UAS flights, communicate hazards clearly to the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), and speak up when a flight condition requires attention, a pause, or escalation.

Responsibilities

• Attend pre‑operational briefings and complete required crew activities before assigned flights.
• Monitor assigned airspace along flight routes before launch and throughout UAS testing, flight, and delivery phases.
• Identify non‑cooperative aircraft, hazardous weather, local fire events, and other conditions that could affect flight safety.
• Initiate escalation and immediate mitigations per crew procedures and stop operations when required.
• Call out safety concerns, request a pause when conditions warrant, and escalate unresolved hazards through the flight crew.
• Maintain reliable observation, communication, and procedural discipline during assigned flight operations.
• Maintain operational readiness for day, night, and weekend shifts; participate in recurrent training, competency checks, and any required regulatory training.

Requirements

• Sound judgment, close attention to detail, and a process‑minded approach to every flight.
• Ability to follow flight procedures, retain situational awareness, and communicate observations accurately under operational conditions.
• Ability to work independently in isolated conditions for extended periods while remaining attentive and communicative.
• Clear interpersonal communication and confidence to raise safety concerns directly.
• Availability for full‑time shifts, including weekends, days and night shifts.
• Part 107 certification or prior drone, UAS, or aviation experience is preferred.

Schedule

Full‑time shifts covering days, nights, and weekends as needed.