Ground Test Operator (Contract-to-Hire)

Zipline•Half Moon Bay, CA

13d•$27 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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 escalate issues rather than work around established controls.
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.
Reliable execution: excellent performance means accurate procedure completion, dependable attendance, clear documentation, and safe handoffs that keep testing moving.

Nice To Haves

Experience in aviation, UAV operations, flight test, autonomous systems, robotics, mechanical troubleshooting, or industrial equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

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, escalate, 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.