Flight Test Operations Lead (Assistant Site Lead)

Namely; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking an Assistant Site Lead to run the flight test facility, lead the Ground Test Operator team, and move aircraft from development into flight test.

You will own daily execution within site procedures, ensure readiness, staffing, and operator performance, delivering safe test execution, a ready site, and reliable throughput.

As acting Site Lead, you will coordinate decisions and represent Flight Test Operations to technical and non-technical audiences.

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.
• Ability to balance tactical execution with longer-term operational planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily flight test operations, including operational briefings, readiness checks, and safe execution of test activities.
• Manage and develop the Visual Observer and Flight Test Operator team through hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance feedback, and career development.
• 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 so testing can continue safely.
• Represent Flight Test Operations during facility visits, explaining Zipline’s aircraft, test approach, and operational practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Team leadership

Aviation operations

Safety-critical

Decision making

Cross-functional

Process improvement

Communication

Education

FAA Part 107 certificate

Job description

Zipline is seeking an Assistant Site Lead to run the flight test facility, lead the Ground Test Operator team, and move aircraft from development into flight test.

You will own daily execution within site procedures, ensure readiness, staffing, and operator performance, delivering safe test execution, a ready site, and reliable throughput.

As acting Site Lead, you will coordinate decisions and represent Flight Test Operations to technical and non-technical audiences.