Ground Test Operator, Esparto

Zipline • Esparto, CA

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About The Position

Ground Test Operators support flight testing and operational validation of autonomous delivery aircraft in a high-tempo test environment. The role involves executing test procedures, preparing delivery packages, operating ground infrastructure, and coordinating with engineering, flight operations, and maintenance teams to support safe and reliable testing.

The position also supports installation and servicing of Zipping Point Autokiosk systems, aircraft ground handling, and operational incident response. Deployments to mobile or remote test sites may be required to support field testing and large-scale operational campaigns.

Work takes place in an active flight test environment, indoors and outdoors. The role involves walking across large test areas, working around aircraft and ground equipment, and lifting and moving packages or operational equipment. Work may occur in all weather conditions and may involve operating or working around industrial equipment and heavy machinery. Travel to commercial and remote test sites may be required up to 30% of the time.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow operational procedures in a safety-critical environment.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Ability to work any shift and any day of the week to support continuous flight test operations.
• Ability to walk across large test areas and work around aircraft and ground equipment.
• Ability to lift and move packages or operational equipment.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain, depending on testing requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in aviation, UAV operations, or flight test environments.
• Familiarity with autonomous systems or robotics platforms.
• Experience operating industrial or heavy equipment such as forklifts, lifts, or other machinery.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical or operational systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, label, and process test packages for partner operational validation and load them through automated kiosks and Zipping Point infrastructure.
• Safely move Zip aircraft around the test site between docks, operational areas, and maintenance facilities.
• Install, inspect, and maintain Zipping Point Autokiosk systems to ensure operational readiness.
• Support large-scale flight test campaigns and operational validation, potentially serving as a Visual Observer, Zipping Point Operator, or Technician.
• Deploy to mobile platforms, including Zipline’s mobile Test Site and other satellite test locations, to support distributed operational testing.
• Respond to operational incidents, including recovering aircraft or field equipment and assisting with safety containment procedures when required.
• Identify and document operational issues and collaborate with engineering teams on troubleshooting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procedures, testing workflows, and operational documentation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed