Flight Test Operations Lead

Zipline; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Site Lead to run the day-to-day flight test facility operations, directing the Flight Test Operator, Ground Test, and Visual Observer teams as new aircraft move from development into testing. You will own site readiness, safety, staffing, and performance outcomes.

You'll coordinate with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to execute complex test campaigns, track metrics, and continually improve throughput and reliability while upholding safety as the top

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in aviation, aerospace, drone operations, or other safety-critical environments.
• Ability to direct operational work and make sound decisions under pressure when safety and readiness priorities compete.
• Proven people leadership including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Ability to balance daily execution with staffing and longer-term planning.
• Proven ability to improve processes and deliver cross-functional initiatives with engineering or technical partners.
• Clear written and verbal communication for coordination and stakeholder updates.
• Experience in flight test, autonomous aircraft, or aviation operations; FAA Part 107 or pilot certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set daily site priorities, lead operational briefings and readiness checks, and direct safe execution of flight and ground test activities.
• Make site-level readiness, staffing allocation, and stop-work decisions; manage safety and program tradeoffs.
• Develop Flight Test Operators, Ground Test personnel, and Visual Observers through hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management.
• Coordinate facilities, equipment, layout, and operational needs with internal partners and vendors for a ready flight test site.
• Collaborate with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to plan and execute complex test campaigns.
• Track safety, readiness, throughput, repeatability, and reliability metrics to improve procedures and resource allocation.
• Represent Flight Test Operations during facility visits and explain Zipline’s aircraft and test practices to diverse audiences.

Skills

Aviation operations

Team leadership

Safety management

Decision making under pressure

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Site Lead to run the day-to-day flight test facility operations, directing the Flight Test Operator, Ground Test, and Visual Observer teams as new aircraft move from development into testing. You will own site readiness, safety, staffing, and performance outcomes.

You'll coordinate with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to execute complex test campaigns, track metrics, and continually improve throughput and reliability while upholding safety as the top