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Visual Observer, Overnight Shift (Contract Opportunity)
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About Zipline
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.
Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.
Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.
We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.
About You and The Role
Does being part of a Flight Test Operations team in the United States sound exciting to you? How about joining a team of dedicated, detail-oriented operators striving to be the best in the business?
The Flight 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, safety-oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for using cutting-edge technology to help others.
Zipline believes access to medical care should not depend on your GPS coordinates. We are at the forefront of a logistics revolution, using autonomous aircraft to deliver just-in-time, lifesaving medical supplies on 3 continents around the world (so far), 7 days a week.
What You'll Do
- Participate in all pre-operational briefings and other required crew activities.
- Monitors assigned airspace along a flight route prior to launch, during flight and delivery phases of UAS testing.
- Assists in collision avoidance activities (e.g. identification of non-cooperative traffic and communication with the RPIC), as well as the identification of hazardous weather conditions and other unforeseen hazards (e.g. open air assemblies).
- Is an advocate for safety!
What You'll Bring
- Part 107, Drone, UAS or Aviation Experience Preferred
- A positive attitude, driven to solve problems and support teammates
- Must be eligible to work in the US
- Ability to work in varying weather conditions, outdoors and standing for long/extended periods of time.
- Part time opportunities
- Overnight Shift (11:30 pm - 8:00 am)
What Else You Need to Know
We have received reports stating that certain individuals are reaching out to people under false pretenses, claiming to be Zipline employees, affiliates, agents, or representatives. They may seek to gain access to your personal information or to acquire money from you by offering fictitious employment opportunities or by claiming that they are contacting you on Zipline’s behalf.
Genuine Zipline employees or representatives will never ask you for money or payment in exchange for employment opportunities or other related services. Any such offer of employment or any other service in exchange for fees that claims to be from us is deceitful and part of a fraud.
If you believe you have been targeted by a fraudulent party, we ask that you immediately get in touch with us via email at security@flyzipline.com upon receiving a suspicious offer or claim.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Zipline
About Zipline
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.
Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.
Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.
We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.
About You and The Role
As a Maintenance & Test Technician on the System Prototype & Test team you will split your time between supporting maintenance of our early stage aircraft and driving the execution of tests primarily in our Esparto test site. You will be working with our latest prototype avionics, powertrain and mechanisms and collaborating with engineers on design iterations as well as supporting field operations to maintain our flight vehicles. You will be responsible for running tests from quick semi-automated vehicle check-outs all the way to long reliability and endurance campaigns, all with clearly documented results. And lastly you will build large jigs and structures to support full system vehicle testing and development, think wind cannons, tether mounts, and barriers for safety
What You'll Do
- Build up vehicle components and test jigs using instructions ranging in quality / completeness
- Replace vehicle parts following instructions and updating documentation in the process
- Verify that test specifications are correct and can be executed on given resources available.
- Create test setups to match engineering specifications which includes interpretation of test procedures and diagrams, instrumentation, data acquisition, test article diagnostics and front line root causing.
- Write high quality and detailed reports that drive to the root of any issues on a given test using data and a first order analysis.
What You'll Bring
- Experience working in a machine shop and operating common mechanical equipment
- Experience working with electronics at different power levels and component size
- Experience working on hardware/software projects and collaborating with hardware engineers
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Experience working on hardware/software projects and collaborating with hardware engineers
- Ability to understand and interpret a wide variety of technical documents (electrical specification, mechanical drawings, etc…)
- Ability to organize data in a way that is easy to understand
- Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends
What Else You Need to Know
Ready to apply?
Apply to Zipline
About Zipline
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.
Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.
Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.
We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.
About This Critical Support to the Flight Test Team
The Flight Test team has the critical task of testing the new and existing systems we build and operate in order to ensure that we are developing safe and reliable systems. This may include preflighting and launching aircraft, doing repair and maintenance work on aircraft and ground systems, and performing tests on new hardware and software. The flight test team conducts scaled operations at a primary test facility, but performs targeted testing at several other locations in Northern California.
This role reports directly to the Head of Test Sites as the team works together to ensure the success of all of our stakeholders and our electrical site infrastructure. As a member of this team, you will play a crucial role in managing and coordinating various aspects of the electrical site infrastructure. The primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the workplace by overseeing electrical installations and upgrades, maintenance, operations, security, and services.
About You and The Role
As the Lead Electrician, you will have the important responsibility of serving as the point of contact for all electrical site infrastructure including upgrades, repairs, maintenance activities, renovations, and vendor oversight at Zipline’s flight test locations. You will be based out of Zipline’s primary test facility, but support several other small scale test locations through the Northern California region with intermittent travel to other sites.
You will be performing electrical installation, construction and upgrade works personally in accordance with all relevant standards and codes, and manage subcontractors performing similar works ensuring a high standard for quality, cost and workmanship. Additionally you will be responsible for conducting regular inspections to identify potential maintenance needs and recommend necessary improvements. You will be a key partner working directly with the relevant internal engineering teams and will have a mandate to provide feedback on the electrical approaches Zipline uses. You will also be responsible for general ownership of the electrical infrastructure at our test sites; maintaining up to date electrical single line diagrams and as-built documentation, owning the general electrical operations and safety processes, and associated internal workflows. Your work will directly affect Zipline’s ability to improve and expand our service to people and communities across the world.
This is an in-person role, servicing our testing facilities in Esparto, South San Francisco, and occasionally in Half Moon Bay, California. This role is well suited to an experienced Journeyman / Journeywoman who still wants to make a hands-on contribution but is looking for more opportunities to expand their skill set, manage contractors and generally increase their organizational impact.
What You'll Do
- Performing electrical installation, construction and upgrade works personally in accordance with all relevant standards and codes
- Manage subcontractors performing electrical installation, construction and upgrade works ensuring a high standard for quality, cost and workmanship.
- Coordinate and schedule routine maintenance activities, repairs, and renovations at Zipline testing facilities. Most work on the site is performed outdoors in whatever seasonal weather is occurring at the time. This includes anywhere from a well-developed test site, to a rugged unimproved area requiring off-road vehicles and hiking on steep terrain.
- Collaborate with vendors, contractors, and maintenance staff to address electrical related issues promptly ensuring quality delivered service.
- Brainstorm and execute site expansion projects such as the construction of mock buildings and backyards, test support buildings, observation towers, and expansion of utilities on-site with ownership of the electrical components of such projects.
- Coordinate site safety reviews and activities for the Facilities Team.
- Maintain records of maintenance activities, including service contracts, warranties, and inspection reports.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify potential maintenance needs and recommend necessary improvements.
- Communicate with teams to understand their evolving needs and space requirements while proposing strategic solutions.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
What You'll Bring
- Must possess a valid, active California C-10 Electrical Contractor License in good standing with the CSLB.
- Proven experience in general construction, construction management, facilities management, or a similar role.
- Experience with electrical construction and SLD tools and CAD programs such as Bluebeam. Comfortability with standard spreadsheet and word processing tools.
- Strong project management experience.
- Strong technical capabilities regarding testing infrastructure management, assembly, and delivering feedback to engineering.
- Contractor and vendor oversight experience.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Self-motivation and strong record of working independently.
- Financial acumen and independent financial planning skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- A deep excitement to learn, and an aptitude for multi-tasking.
- A desire to work in a hands-on environment and outdoors.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- A safety first mindset and approach.
- Willingness to travel between California testing facilities 25% of the time. Willingness to travel to other sites outside California on an intermittent basis.
What Else You Need to Know
The starting cash range for this role is $55-$85/hour. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.
Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.
We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!
Please Note
We have received reports stating that certain individuals are reaching out to people under false pretenses, claiming to be Zipline employees, affiliates, agents, or representatives. They may seek to gain access to your personal information or to acquire money from you by offering fictitious employment opportunities or by claiming that they are contacting you on Zipline’s behalf.
Genuine Zipline employees or representatives will never ask you for money or payment in exchange for employment opportunities or other related services. Any such offer of employment or any other service in exchange for fees that claims to be from us is deceitful and part of a fraud.
If you believe you have been targeted by a fraudulent party, we ask that you immediately get in touch with us via email at security@flyzipline.com upon receiving a suspicious offer or claim.
#zr
Ready to apply?
Apply to Zipline
About Zipline
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.
Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.
Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.
We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.
About You and The Role
As a Flight Test Operator, you will have the critical task of testing the new and existing systems we build and operate in order to ensure that we are developing safe and reliable systems. This may include preflighting and launching aircraft, doing repair and maintenance work on aircraft and ground systems, and performing tests on new hardware and software. You will be working to improve the process, building and testing of prototypes for our next-generation tech, and collecting data of various types. You will also be expected to provide detailed technical feedback and ideas to engineering and operations teams on how to make our existing and future systems safer and smarter. Your work will directly improve the reliable availability of medical products and supplies for patients at the hospitals and health centers that Zipline serves across the world.
What You'll Do
- Fly - Assembling, preflighting, launching, and recovering unmanned aircraft in order to test and optimize Zipline's operational systems and validate new engineering changes as well as software and hardware in the early stages of development.
- Maintain - Maintaining the existing fleet of aircraft and ground equipment, as well as maintaining new systems we are building for function-specific flight tests.
- Test - Running tests to validate system improvements, new technology for performance and design validation, and new processes.
- Certify - Performing tests and demonstrations related to US FAA Type Certification.
- Improve - Looking for opportunities to continuously improve our processes, safety protocols, our hardware and software, and make operations easier and more efficient for operations centers around the world. You will be called upon to provide detailed feedback to design engineers.
- Grow - Supporting Zipline's efforts to scale our operations to hundreds of distribution centers around the world.
- Travel - Supporting flight operations at different test sites as needed. You may also do up to 25% domestic and international travel, surveying sites or training new flight operators on best practices.
- For certain roles, you will be responsible for identifying and scouting sites for field data collection campaigns in support of multiple teams and goals.
- Schedule - Flexibility to work an array of schedule structures including, but not limited to: day, swing, nights, weekends, rotational.
What You'll Bring
This role is right for you if:
- You enjoy work that gets you out from behind a desk, in the field, and working with our hardware and software in action.
- You have experience in commercial aviation or aviation maintenance (an A&P is not required but nice to have).
- You may have prior flight test or hobbyist flight experience with Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones, remote control aircraft, etc).
- You enjoy troubleshooting and are comfortable with electromechanical build and repair projects.
- You’re excited to work outdoors, at an open-air hangar in the rugged foothills of Northern California, and would be happy doing so for about 85% of the day.
- You thrive in an autonomous, unpredictable, and dynamic environment where you identify what needs to happen and get it done with very little oversight.
- You have the vigilance and focus to conduct extended daily flight operations in a safe manner and with a focus on optimizing on a daily basis.
- You lead by example, and enjoy the satisfaction of collaborating with a dedicated team on a common goal.
- You have great writing skills and don't let failures or progress go undocumented.
- You are meticulous and process-oriented by nature.
- You are able to lift up to 25kg objects regularly.
Additional preferred experience includes:
- You have some experience with Unix/Linux based operating systems (command line experience is a strong plus).
- You have experience with camera systems, surveying, and aerial photography.
- You are excited about regularly traveling domestically and internationally.
What Else You Need to Know
Please note that:
This is a full-time position
Must be willing to work some nights/weekends.
Must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
Must be able to relocate to Yolo County, CA
The starting cash range for this role is $34 - $40/ Hour. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Zipline
Process Engineer, Service Tooling & Processes
Share this job
About Zipline
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.
Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.
Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.
We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.
About You and The Role
As a Process Engineer on the Service Tooling & Processes team, you will design, validate, and optimize the workflows that enable Zipline’s technicians to maintain the P2 fleet safely, consistently, and efficiently. You’ll translate engineering intent into scalable processes, implement lean methodologies, and ensure that service procedures are robust enough for diverse operating environments. This role is highly cross-functional, bridging engineering, maintenance, and operations, so that every maintenance action contributes to safety, reliability, and fleet health.
What You'll Do
- Design, document, and refine standardized maintenance processes, from inspections and servicing to component replacements and complex repairs.
- Validate processes in the field through pilots and technician feedback, ensuring usability, repeatability, and safety.
- Collaborate with Hardware Engineering, Reliability, and Tooling teams to align process design with aircraft and service architecture.
- Apply lean principles, error-proofing mechanisms, and automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce variability.
- Establish process control mechanisms and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Create process documentation, work instructions, and visual aids that enable frontline technicians to execute tasks consistently.
- Partner with Data and Reliability teams to define KPIs, track performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Lead root cause investigations for process-related issues and implement corrective/preventive actions.
- Provide structured feedback loops to engineering on design-for-maintainability.
- Partner with training program leadership to ensure process changes are embedded into training programs for technicians.
What You'll Bring
- 4-6 years of experience in mechanical or mechatronic design, ideally in aerospace, automotive, or industrial tooling.
- Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar).
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (CNC, additive manufacturing, machining, etc.).
- Experience with GD&T and technical drawing best practices.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and communicate technical solutions clearly.
- Strong problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Passion for Zipline’s mission and enabling frontline operators through world-class processes.
- Willingness to travel up to 50%.
What Else You Need to Know
The starting cash range for this role is $160,000 - $170,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Zipline
About Zipline
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.
Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.
Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.
We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.
About You and The Role
We’re hiring a Mechatronic Tooling Engineer to join our Service Tooling and Process team, the group responsible for the tools and workflows that enable efficient troubleshooting and repair of our autonomous drone systems. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with operations teams as well as software and hardware engineers to develop practical, high-impact tooling to improve efficiency, reliability, and serviceability. If you have a strong background in electromechanical design, are obsessed with delivering your customers the best possible experience, and want to be part of a team that’s making a real difference in the world, then we want to hear from you.
What You'll Do
- Collaborate with flight operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify fixture/tooling needs.
- Design and develop mechatronic maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting fixtures and specialized tooling for drone components.
- Design and develop technician-focused software interfaces for testing and troubleshooting drone components.
- Create 3D models, technical drawings, and documentation for prototype and production.
- Conduct structural and functional analysis of fixture designs.
- Support prototype fabrication through internal or external resources.
- Test, validate, and iterate fixture designs based on technician feedback and field performance.
- Ensure compliance with aerospace safety standards and maintenance best practices.
- Maintain fixture/tooling documentation and contribute to continuous improvement processes.
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience in electromechanical system design and development,
- Strong knowledge of interfacing bus communications, Ethernet, RS485, i2C
- Strong prototype capability with the ability to build and test own designs
- Proficiency with CAD software for designing electromechanical components and systems..
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and communicate technical solutions clearly.
- Strong problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel up to 25%.
What Else You Need to Know
The starting cash range for this role is $130,000 - 170,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Zipline
About Zipline
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.
Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.
Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.
We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.
About You and The Role
The Staff Flight Test Operator is a technical leader responsible for planning, prioritization, execution, and continuous improvement of Zipline’s large scale, flight testing operation. This role blends deep systems-level engineering thinking with hands-on flight operations expertise to ensure we test the right things, at the right time, with precision, velocity, and uncompromising safety.
You will own the integration and execution of complex test campaigns, resolve technical blockers, raise and mitigate risks, and translate flight test results into actionable engineering insights. You will also lead multi-week validation campaigns, manage resources and infrastructure bring-up, and pioneer new tools and processes that expand the throughput and quality of Zipline’s flight testing capability.
This role requires someone who thrives at the intersection of engineering, operations, and leadership, jumping into detailed data analysis or debugging, and guiding teams through ambiguous, high-stakes challenges.
What You'll Do
- Serve as a senior cross-functional leader, aligning Design Engineering, Flight Test Engineering, Operations, and site leadership.
- Work with engineering teams to prioritize test execution - ensuring the highest-value tests are executed first.
- Manage resource planning, and infrastructure bring-up for major validation campaigns.
- Execute complex flight tests, including prelight instrumentation, monitoring of automated tests, incident response, and data collection.
- Rapidly debug and resolve flight test issues across hardware, software, controls, and operations.
- Analyze flight data to identify anomalies, validate performance, and recommend next steps.
- Generate clear, actionable test reports that drive engineering decision-making.
- Support FAA Type Certification activities by executing specific test protocols, demonstrations, and documentation tasks.
- Identify and lead operational process, software tooling, and infrastructure improvements to increase test precision, insights, capacity, and velocity.
- Serve as shift lead when needed, ensuring safe, high quality, and well coordinated test execution.
- Mentor and support junior flight test operators, offering guidance, training, removing blockers, reinforcing SOP compliance and improving their technical and operational performance.
- Travel to support flight operations at different test sites as needed.
- Flexibility to work an array of schedule structures including, but not limited to: day, swing, nights, weekends, rotational.
What You'll Bring
- Technical degree in an Engineering, Unmanned Aerial System, Aviation or related discipline or equivalent experience.
- At least two plus years of experience in aviation, robotics, or autonomous systems testing.
- You enjoy work that gets you out from behind a desk, in the field, and working with our hardware and software in action.
- You excel in autonomous, dynamic environments where priorities shift and proactive execution matters.
- You have the vigilance and focus to conduct extended daily flight operations in a safe manner and with a focus on optimizing on a daily basis.
- Strong communication skills - able to translate complex technical insights for diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to make timely, sound decisions.
- You are able to lift up to 25kg objects regularly.
What Else You Need to Know
Please note that you:
Must be willing to work some nights/weekends.
Must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
Part 107 License Preferred, and required prior to starting.
Must be able to relocate to Yolo County, CA
The starting cash range for this role is $43 - $50/ hour. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Zipline