Director, Strategic Airspace Policy & Regulation

Zipline; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is expanding the world’s largest autonomous delivery network and seeks a Director of Airspace Policy and Regulatory Affairs to define and lead that evolution. You will set Zipline’s airspace integration policy strategy for safe operation alongside crewed aircraft and other UAS.

The role requires expert engagement with regulators, standards bodies, and industry groups, translating regulatory developments into product requirements and roadmaps, with international collaboration and travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, computer science, aviation, or related field.
• Experience with airspace integration and regulatory affairs.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Zipline’s airspace integration strategy with cross-functional teams.
• Lead policy strategy for RF deconfliction, spectrum coexistence, and aviation communications.
• Engage with standards bodies and regulators to advance airspace integration.
• Translate regulatory developments into product requirements and roadmaps.
• Represent Zipline with regulators, ANSPs, and industry groups.
• Lead FAA engagement on Part 108, Part 146, and related provisions.
• Advise leadership on regulatory risks and market-entry constraints.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure compliant, safe operations at scale.

Skills

Air traffic management

Aviation systems

UAS operations

Aviation regulation

Standards development

Policy engagement

Leadership

Cross-functional

Effective communication

Public policy

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field

Job description

Zipline is expanding the world’s largest autonomous delivery network and seeks a Director of Airspace Policy and Regulatory Affairs to define and lead that evolution. You will set Zipline’s airspace integration policy strategy for safe operation alongside crewed aircraft and other UAS.

The role requires expert engagement with regulators, standards bodies, and industry groups, translating regulatory developments into product requirements and roadmaps, with international collaboration and travel.