Assistant Site Lead, Flight Test Operations

About You and The Role

Zipline’s flight test facility turns new aircraft capabilities into safe, repeatable operations. As Assistant Site Lead, you will partner with the Site Lead to run the facility, lead the Ground Test Operator team, and improve how aircraft move from engineering development into flight test. You will own daily execution within established site procedures, including readiness, staffing coordination, and operator performance. Success means safe test execution, a ready site, a developing team, and improved test throughput and reliability. Escalate safety concerns, cross-functional conflicts, and decisions outside procedures to the Site Lead; when acting Site Lead, lead site operations and coordinate those decisions.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily flight test operations, including operational briefings, readiness checks, and safe execution of test activities.
• Manage and develop the Ground Test Operator team through hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance feedback, and career development.
• Own site readiness by coordinating facilities, equipment, layout, and operational needs with internal teams and vendors.
• Partner with engineering, safety, maintenance, and manufacturing to plan and execute complex test campaigns.
• Improve procedures, tooling, and workflows to increase test throughput, repeatability, reliability, and safety.
• Serve as acting Site Lead when needed, directing site operations and aligning cross-functional priorities so testing can continue safely.
• Represent Flight Test Operations during facility visits, explaining Zipline’s aircraft, test approach, and operational practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Experience leading teams in aviation, aerospace, robotics, drone operations, military operations, or similarly complex operational environments.
• Experience managing operational execution in fast-paced, safety-critical environments.
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Excellent operational judgment with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. ● Proven ability to drive process improvements and execute cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to balance tactical execution with longer-term operational planning.

Preferred

• Experience working in flight test, experimental flight operations, or prototype development.
• FAA Part 107 certificate or pilot certificates.
• Experience leading aviation or drone operations. Experience supporting facility or infrastructure development.
• Experience working directly with engineering organizations.
• Familiarity with autonomous aircraft or robotic systems.

What Else You Need To Know

The starting cash range for this role is $105,000 - $140,000; please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. We are always open to negotiation. 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!