Flight Operations Manager/Associate Manager

Doordash • Oakland, CA

319d • $136,000 - $200,000

About The Position

As the Flight Operations Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of drone flight operations, ensuring compliance with FAA Part 135 regulations and internal safety standards. You will develop and implement operational procedures, lead a team of flight operators, and work cross-functionally to scale drone delivery operations.

Requirements

• FAA Part 135 operational experience, including leadership in a commercial aviation or UAS environment.
• Part 107 certification and extensive UAS flight experience (1,000+ logged flight hours preferred).
• Proven ability to develop and enforce SOPs for aviation operations.
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations, airspace management, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience leading teams, managing pilots, and scaling flight operations.
• Background in risk assessment, safety management systems (SMS), and emergency response planning.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with commercial drone delivery operations or UAS integration into logistics networks.
• Prior involvement in obtaining and maintaining FAA Part 135 certification for UAS operations.
• Strong technical understanding of autonomous flight systems and aviation software.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all flight operations comply with FAA Part 135 regulations and maintain certification requirements.
• Act as a key liaison with the FAA, ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory frameworks and facilitating inspections or audits.
• Oversee pilot training, certification, and operational readiness in line with Part 135 requirements.
• Lead and manage a team of drone operators, ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable flight operations.
• Oversee scheduling, resource allocation, and mission planning to optimize fleet performance.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance operational safety and efficiency.
• Implement robust safety management systems (SMS), ensuring risk mitigation and incident response protocols.
• Work closely with hardware, software, product, and business operations teams to integrate drone technology into real-world logistics.
• Contribute to system development and testing, ensuring operational readiness for full-scale deployments.
• Drive continuous process improvements and automation strategies for flight operations.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with an employer match
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness benefits
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Disability and basic life insurance
• Family-forming assistance
• Commuter benefit match
• Mental health program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Couriers and Messengers