Ground Test Operator (Contract-to-Hire)

Namely; Half Moon Bay (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Ground Test Operator to support experimental flight-test activities at the Nest0 Test Facility. You will ensure disciplined execution of ground-test work, maintain readiness of aircraft and loading infrastructure, and escalate any safety concerns.

This contract role offers potential conversion to a full-time position. You will work across duties including loading, handling, and maintenance support, with a focus on reliable data and safe site operations in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Experience in safety-critical operating environments.
• Ability to follow complex procedures accurately.
• Willingness to work outdoors and indoors in varying weather.
• Background in aviation, UAVs, or robotics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and load test packages through automated loading systems.
• Move Zipline aircraft between docks and facilities using approved procedures.
• Install, inspect, and service package-loading hardware with maintenance teams.
• Execute procedures during flight-test campaigns and document results.
• Identify unsafe conditions and escalate to flight operations or maintenance.
• Respond to operational incidents and assist in recovery and safety containment.
• Cross-train for contingent flight-operations tasks as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety-focused

Procedural compliance

Shift flexibility

Aviation/UAV experience

Job description

About Zipline

Zipline is the world's largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world's largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world's largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About You and The Role

Zipline is validating autonomous delivery aircraft and the ground systems that prepare, load, move, and recover them. As a Ground Test Operator, you will help turn flight-test plans into safe, repeatable field execution at the Nest0 Test Facility.

You will own disciplined execution of assigned ground-test work: following procedures, keeping aircraft and loading infrastructure ready, identifying issues, and escalating conditions that could affect safe operations. Your work gives engineering, maintenance, and flight operations reliable operational data and a ready test site.

This role would start as a Contract role with opportunity to convert into a full-time position.

What You'll Do

• Prepare, label, process, and load test packages through automated package-loading infrastructure for partner operational validation.
• Move Zip aircraft safely between docks, operational areas, and maintenance facilities using established ground-handling procedures.
• Install, inspect, service, and maintain package-loading hardware with maintenance teams to sustain operational readiness.
• Execute assigned procedures during large-scale flight-test campaigns and document completion, deviations, equipment condition, and operational issues.
• Stop, elevate, and hand off unsafe conditions or procedure deviations to the appropriate flight operations, maintenance, or engineering owner.
• Respond to operational incidents, including aircraft or field-equipment recovery and safety-containment support when required.
• Cross-train for contingent flight-operations assignments, including Visual Observer, Fulfilment test operator, or Technician support, as operational needs require.

What You'll Bring

• Strong attention to detail and consistent ability to follow procedures in a safety-critical operating environment.
• Sound judgment to recognize abnormal conditions, communicate clearly, and
• Ability to work any shift and any day of the week in support of continuous flight-test operations.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, wind, and rain, depending on testing requirements.
• Ability to walk across an active test site, move packages or operational equipment, and work safely around aircraft and industrial machinery.
• Experience in aviation, UAV operations, flight test, autonomous systems, robotics, mechanical troubleshooting, or industrial equipment is preferred.
• Reliable execution: excellent performance means accurate procedure completion, dependable attendance, clear documentation, and safe handoffs that keep testing moving.

What Else You Need To Know

Compensation: $27 - $33 / Hour

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zipline's Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.