Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Own end-to-end daily flight test campaign execution - Acting as Remote Pilot in Command for Zipline’s Autonomous Aircraft - executing high-volume mission profiles, reliability testing, regression testing, and fault injection testing

Validate system performance through repeatable ground and flight test procedures across varied operating conditions

Troubleshoot and repair software and hardware issues on-site to safely and efficiently return aircraft to flight

Summarize test results: provide qualitative and quantitative analysis on aircraft and system performance - comparing results to expected outcomes, reliability targets, and safety requirements

Escalate flight performance anomalies, recurring failures, and emerging safety risks to engineering and safety, driving discussion towards containment and resolution

Enforce and improve site safety: manage risks during high-tempo flight operations, run briefings and debriefs, identify operational hazards, and refine SOPs to prevent repeat failures

Support continuous improvement of test operations by identifying opportunities to increase throughput, consistency, data quality, and operational efficiency without compromising safety

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

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 high-tempo, failure-heavy field environments where consistent execution, 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, maintain high standards across repetitive operations, make safety-forward go/no-go decisions, document results clearly, and coordinate across engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to drive closure

Safety and reliability mindset: Able to recognize trends across repeated operations, identify emerging risks, and maintain attention to detail during high-volume testing

Nice-to-have: Linux command-line comfort, experience with reliability or endurance testing, basic mechanical or electrical troubleshooting skills, and experience with automated flight systems

Please note that you:

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 - $38 / 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 or our own sensibilities.

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!

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zipline ’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.