Autonomy Flight Test Specialist

Zipline•South San Francisco, CA

8d•$37 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service, aiming to serve all humans equally by providing access to essential goods. They design, build, and operate an autonomous logistics system, making millions of deliveries globally. The company has flown over 140 million autonomous miles and is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food. Zipline operates at a global scale and seeks practical problem solvers motivated by building impactful systems and scaling the future of logistics. They are looking for individuals who can think from first principles, face adversity, and achieve ambitious goals rapidly. This role is field-first, requiring travel across the country to work with aviation professionals and operate aerial data collection rigs. The specialist will own all aspects of the data gathering process from start to finish, often working independently. Key aspects include thinking on your feet, making sound decisions with limited oversight, adapting to real-world conditions, and ensuring data is collected safely and effectively. The company values a proactive, hands-on approach and strong real-world problem-solving skills. Successful candidates are resourceful, hands-on operators who enjoy tackling practical problems in dynamic environments.

Requirements

Experience in aviation or similarly operational environments (e.g., pilot, student pilot, aircraft mechanic, UAS operator, field robotics, military, or other hands-on technical operations roles)
Willingness to travel frequently (up to ~75%), including multi-week deployments, irregular schedules, weekends, and early-morning or night operations
Strong mechanical and technical aptitude—comfortable working with tools, hardware systems, aircraft-adjacent equipment, and field troubleshooting
Ability to independently execute complex field operations with limited oversight while maintaining strong judgment, organization, and attention to detail
Experience troubleshooting technical issues in real time, including hardware, software, sensors, networking, or operational workflows
Familiarity with FAA regulations, airspace fundamentals, and safe operations around aircraft, airfields, FBOs, and remote flight environments
Comfortable working in dynamic flight conditions while operating laptops, tablets, sensors, and mounted equipment in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft
Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or physically demanding environments, including motion-heavy flight conditions and variable weather
Strong communication and coordination skills in fast-moving operational environments
Ability to lift and transport 50+ lbs of equipment and support field deployment logistics with or without reasonable accommodation

Nice To Haves

Experience with cameras, sensors, or data acquisition systems
Comfortable using computers and command line tools to run systems or debug issues
UAS or flight test experience
Familiarity with networking, telemetry, or embedded systems

Responsibilities

Own aerial data collection missions end to end in support of Zipline’s Detect and Avoid system development
Travel across the U.S. to collect real-world flight data from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and specialty aviation platforms
Operate Zipline’s data collection rigs in dynamic flight environments while maintaining strong safety awareness
Independently manage mission prep, equipment setup, troubleshooting, data capture, and post-flight wrap-up
Build effective working relationships with pilots, flight crews, vendors, and cross-functional teams to execute safe and efficient flight operations
Debug hardware, software, sensor, and data collection rig issues in the field to keep missions moving
Own field logistics, including packing, transport, setup, teardown, aircraft integration support, and gear accountability
Ensure collected data is complete, reliable, and useful for training and validating autonomy systems
Identify ways to improve tools, rigs, workflows, and future flight campaigns