Pilot-in-Command Manager

Socket.dev; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 116,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Wing is seeking a Pilot-in-Command Manager in Durham, NC to lead a team of Part 135 PICs for our autonomous drone delivery network. You will mentor crew members, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner with senior pilots to maintain readiness of operations facilities.

The role emphasizes leadership, aviation knowledge, and a strong commitment to safety, with a base salary in a competitive range plus bonus and benefits. On-site role with regulatory compliance required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aviation or UAS operations with leadership experience.
• Experience leading a small team of pilots or operators.
• Strong knowledge of Part 135/FAA regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain FAA qualifications and operate as a Part 135 PIC for missions.
• Direct, mentor, and manage a crew of 7-9 PICs for safety and efficiency.
• Coach team members and plan career progression and training.
• Collaborate with Chief Pilot to ensure readiness of PIC Stations and operations rooms.
• Lead onboarding and training while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Provide expertise to support regulatory outreach and PR initiatives.
• Protect confidentiality of sensitive information.

Skills

People management

FAA Part 107

Aviation operations

English communication

Education

Aviation degree or related program

Tools

Monitoring software

Record-keeping tools

Job description

About Wing:

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.

About the Role:

At Wing, we are redefining the future of aviation and delivery. We are looking for an inspiring and proactive Pilot-in-Command Manager to join our pioneering Flight Operations team. In this onsite role based in Durham, NC you will play a pivotal role in shaping daily flight operations, serving as a dedicated PIC people manager for Wing’s commercial drone delivery service. Reporting directly to our Assistant Chief Pilot, you’ll ensure the operational readiness, availability, and high-level performance of your team of sUAS Flight Operators (PICs). You’ll lead with confidence and empathy, fostering team growth and maintaining seamless operational excellence. If you bring at least one year of successful leadership experience with small teams, a year or more as a PIC in Part 135 commercial drone delivery operations, and an unyielding passion for aviation, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in an industry taking flight.

This position is subject to Wing’s Drug and Alcohol testing policy in accordance with company procedures and DOT/FAA regulatory standards. Wing is a Zero Tolerance Drug Free Workplace. All prospective employees in FAA/DOT-regulated roles are subject to pre-employment drug testing. Any applicant applying to a FAA/DOT regulated role who has previously tested positive on any required drug or alcohol test at a former employer will be considered ineligible for employment with Wing.

What You’ll Do:

• Maintain rigorous FAA qualifications and consistently operate as a Part 135 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) to execute safe, efficient missions for Wing’s advanced autonomous drone delivery network.
• Direct, mentor, and manage a dedicated crew of 7-9 PICs, cultivating a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Champion the skill development and career progression of your team through continuous coaching, performance evaluations, and targeted technical training.
• Partner closely with the Chief Pilot and Assistant Chief Pilot to optimize and maintain the continuous readiness of PIC Stations, Operations Rooms, and all critical aviation infrastructure.
• Orchestrate comprehensive onboarding and training programs for new hires, accelerating their path to proficiency while ensuring strict adherence to company and regulatory standards.
• Provide strategic, subject-matter expertise to support Wing’s public relations, community engagement, and government regulatory outreach initiatives.
• Exercise impeccable judgment and maintain absolute confidentiality when handling sensitive strategic, technical, and personnel information.

What You'll Need:

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate. If applicable, Part 107 recurrent certificate: only the ALC-677 course is accepted
• Current driver’s license and clean driving record within the last 36-months
• 3+ years experience with commercial or public UAS operations, or university level education and training in civil UAS operations
• 2+ years of people management experience with 5+ direct reports or more in aviation, transportation, or other safety critical operations
• Must possess an FAA First, Second, or Third Class Medical Certificate, that has been issued within the previous 36 months, or obtain prior to start date
• Experience working with web-based monitoring and control systems
• Experience with technical or engineering record keeping-methods and toolsAbility to communicate clearly in spoken and written English
• Ability to work a rotating 7-day schedule within crew duty time limits, including weekends and holidays
• Willingness to travel to complete initial and recurrent training
• Ability to work independently and in teams while still maintaining rigorous attention to detail
• Ability to maintain attention to detail for extended periods in a monitoring role
• Willingness to meet Pilot Records Database (PRD) consent requirements
• Technical background aligned with the intricacies of operating a last-mile delivery network
• Demonstrated experience mentoring individual contributors to support their individual growth
• Independent problem-solving capability under ambiguous conditions

Salary Range

The US base salary range for this full-time position is the salary range below + bonus + equity + benefits. Wing’s salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

$116,000 — $123,000 USD

Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.

If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.