Visual Observer

Zipline is the world's largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to ensure access to food, medicine, and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate autonomous logistics systems delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably.

Our customers include healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants, and global businesses who rely on us to improve logistics, reduce emissions, and expand access to critical supplies.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth.

About You and The Role

You will join Zipline's Flight Operations team as a Visual Observer, supporting safe and repeatable autonomous aircraft operations that deliver medical supplies. This role focuses on ensuring public and crew safety by detecting, reporting, and mitigating airborne and ground hazards during launches, flights, and deliveries.

You will work at outdoor operational sites supporting commercial operations and test flights alongside RPIC and site operators. Your work helps maintain legally compliant and publicly trusted aircraft operations.

What You'll Do

• Maintain continuous visual line-of-sight of aircraft and surrounding airspace during assigned flights.
• Detect and report air traffic, people, vehicles, wildlife, and other hazards; initiate mitigations and stop operations when necessary.
• Monitor weather and environmental conditions and provide go/no-go operational input.
• Conduct and document pre-operational site checks and verify launch and recovery safety readiness.
• Coordinate with RPIC, site leads, and crew using radio communication, hand signals, and operational logs.
• Complete incident reports, flight logs, and post-flight safety documentation accurately and on time.
• Support site setup and teardown activities, including deployment of safety barriers and visual markers.
• Participate in recurrent training, competency checks, and regulatory training while maintaining readiness for day, night, and weekend shifts.

What You'll Bring

• Must be 18+ and able to pass background and pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and ongoing testing.
• Availability for assigned day, night, and weekend shifts with part-time or full-time scheduling.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to stand and visually scan for entire shifts while performing safety-critical tasks.
• Clear and calm communication skills in English for radio and face-to-face operational exchanges.
• Ability to enforce safety procedures and make decisive hazard-related operational calls.
• Preferred: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or prior UAS/aviation experience.
• Reliable transportation to assigned launch and recovery sites.

Operational Expectations

• Timely and accurate hazard detection and reporting.
• Zero preventable airspace incursions during assigned shifts.
• Complete required checklists and incident documentation accurately.
• Maintain consistent attendance and operational readiness.

Additional Information

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.