Flight Test Operations Lead

Socket.dev; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline’s Flight Test Facility seeks a Site Lead to run day-to-day operations and lead Flight Test Operators, Ground Test, and Visual Observer teams as aircraft move from development into flight test.

You will own site readiness, staffing, safety, and performance, making stop-work decisions and driving throughput, repeatability, and reliability while upholding safety.

Collaborate with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to plan complex test campaigns and improve procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in aviation, drone operations, or safety-critical environments.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure when safety and readiness compete.
• Proven coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback skills.

Responsibilities

• Set daily site priorities and direct safe execution of flight and ground test activities.
• Make site readiness and staffing decisions; approve or stop work as needed.
• Lead and develop Flight Test Operators, Ground Test personnel, and Visual Observers.
• Coordinate facilities, equipment, layout, and operational needs with internal partners and vendors.
• Collaborate with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing on test campaigns.
• Track safety, readiness, throughput, and reliability metrics to drive improvements.
• Represent Flight Test Operations during facility visits and explain Zipline’s practices to diverse audiences.

Skills

Aviation leadership

Decision making

People leadership

Operational planning

Cross-functional collab

Clear communication

Flight test know-how

Job description

Zipline’s Flight Test Facility seeks a Site Lead to run day-to-day operations and lead Flight Test Operators, Ground Test, and Visual Observer teams as aircraft move from development into flight test.

You will own site readiness, staffing, safety, and performance, making stop-work decisions and driving throughput, repeatability, and reliability while upholding safety.

Collaborate with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to plan complex test campaigns and improve procedures.