Flight Test Operations Lead

Zipline; Esparto (CA); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Equity compensation

Paid time off

Job summary

Zipline is hiring for an Assistant Site Lead at our flight test facility. You will partner with the Site Lead to run the facility, lead the Ground Test Operator team, and move aircraft from engineering into flight test.

You will oversee daily execution within site procedures, ensure readiness, coordinate staffing, and monitor operator performance. This role requires strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration in a safety-critical environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in aviation, aerospace, robotics, drone operations, military operations, or similarly complex operational environments.
• Experience managing operational execution in fast-paced, safety-critical environments.
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Excellent operational judgment with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and execute cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily flight test operations, including briefings, readiness checks, and safe execution of test activities.
• Manage and develop the Visual Observer and Flight Test Operator team through hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Own site readiness by coordinating facilities, equipment, layout, and operational needs with internal teams and vendors.
• Partner with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to plan and execute complex test campaigns.
• Improve procedures, tooling, and workflows to increase test throughput, repeatability, reliability, and safety.
• Serve as acting Site Lead when needed, directing site operations and aligning cross-functional priorities.

Skills

Team leadership

Aviation operations

Safety-critical environments

Operational planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Job description

Zipline is hiring for an Assistant Site Lead at our flight test facility. You will partner with the Site Lead to run the facility, lead the Ground Test Operator team, and move aircraft from engineering into flight test.

You will oversee daily execution within site procedures, ensure readiness, coordinate staffing, and monitor operator performance. This role requires strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration in a safety-critical environment.