Flight Test Operator, Half Moon Bay

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.

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.

About You and The Role

You are a hands-on Flight Test Operator focused on bringing early-stage Zipline aircraft from prototype through production bring-up. You will execute, iterate, and sign off on flight operations that validate airworthiness, avionics/software integration, and field-deployable procedures that enable drone delivery at scale.

You'll work at Zipline's test site(s) and coordinate closely with vehicle engineering, software, safety, manufacturing, and field operations to turn early stage flight software into reliable, release-ready aircraft.

What You'll Do

• Own end-to-end daily flight test campaign execution
• Act as Remote Pilot in Command for Zipline's Autonomous Aircraft
• Execute 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 and provide qualitative and quantitative analysis on aircraft performance
• Escalate flight performance anomalies to engineering and safety teams
• Enforce and improve site safety, manage risks for prototype flights, run briefings and debriefs, and refine SOPs
• Work onsite at outdoor test sites with weekends, night shifts, and occasional regional travel

What You'll Bring

• FAA Part 107 certification required at time of joining
• Experience piloting drones or manned aircraft
• Demonstrated aeronautical decision making and accountability
• Experience creating preflight checklists and escalating safety incidents with documentation
• Comfortable working in iterative field environments with rapid diagnostics and repairs
• Ability to lift and move 50+ lb equipment and work outdoors for multi-hour test windows
• Proven ability to own test campaigns end-to-end and coordinate across engineering, safety, and manufacturing
• Nice-to-have: Linux command-line comfort, rapid prototyping skills such as 3D printing and basic machining, and experience with automated flight systems

What Else You Need To Know

• Full-time position
• Starting cash range: $37 - $45 per hour

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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!