Flight Test Operator
Posted on 1/27/2023
INACTIVE
Zipline

1,001-5,000 employees

Automated delivery system for equitable global logistics
Company Overview
Zipline stands out for its commitment to equitable logistics, utilizing advanced robotics and autonomy to operate the world's largest automated delivery system, serving millions globally. The company has demonstrated industry leadership through significant projects such as powering Rwanda's national blood delivery network, Ghana's COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart. With a focus on clean, electric logistics, Zipline not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances accessibility, making it a compelling place to work for those passionate about technology and social impact.
Robotics & Automation
Aerospace

Company Stage

Series F

Total Funding

$833.1M

Founded

2014

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

28%

2 year growth

82%
Locations
Esparto, CA, USA
Experience Level
Entry
Junior
Mid
Senior
Expert
Requirements
  • Please note that you:
  • Must be willing to work some nights/weekends. Must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident. Must be able to either (1) relocate to Yolo County, CA, (2) be willing and able to do extensive travel for data collection operations
  • The starting cash range for this role is $28 - $38 / hour. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more
  • Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities
  • We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!
Responsibilities
  • Fly - Assembling, preflighting, launching, and recovering unmanned aircraft in order to test and optimize Zipline's operational systems and validate new engineering changes as well as software and hardware in the early stages of development
  • Maintain - Maintaining the existing fleet of aircraft and ground equipment, as well as maintaining new systems we are building for function-specific flight tests
  • Test - Running tests to validate system improvements, new technology for performance and design validation, and new processes
  • Certify - Performing tests and demonstrations related to US FAA Type Certification
  • Improve - Looking for opportunities to continuously improve our processes, safety protocols, our hardware and software, and make operations easier and more efficient for operations centers around the world. You will be called upon to provide detailed feedback to design engineers
  • Grow - Supporting Zipline's efforts to scale our operations to hundreds of distribution centers around the world
  • Travel - Supporting flight operations at different test sites as needed. You may also do up to 75% domestic and international travel, surveying sites or training new flight operators on best practices
  • For certain roles, you will be responsible for identifying and scouting sites for field data collection campaigns in support of multiple teams and goals
  • You enjoy work that gets you out from behind a desk, in the field, and working with our hardware and software in action
  • You have experience in commercial aviation or aviation maintenance (an A&P is not required but nice to have)
  • You may have prior flight test or hobbyist flight experience with Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones, remote control aircraft, etc)
  • You enjoy troubleshooting and are comfortable with electromechanical build and repair projects
  • You're excited to work outdoors, at an open-air hangar in the rugged foothills of Northern California, and would be happy doing so for about 85% of the day
  • You thrive in an autonomous, unpredictable, and dynamic environment where you identify what needs to happen and get it done with very little oversight
  • You have the vigilance and focus to conduct extended daily flight operations in a safe manner and with a focus on optimizing on a daily basis
  • You lead by example, and enjoy the satisfaction of collaborating with a dedicated team on a common goal
  • You have great writing skills and don't let failures or progress go undocumented
  • You are meticulous and process-oriented by nature
  • You are able to lift up to 25kg objects regularly
Desired Qualifications
  • You have some experience with Unix/Linux based operating systems (command line experience is a strong plus)
  • You have experience with camera systems, surveying, and aerial photography
  • You are excited about regularly traveling domestically and internationally