Autonomy Flight Test Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Take charge of aerial data collection missions from start to finish to aid in the development of Zipline’s Detect and Avoid system.

• Travel nationwide across the U.S. to gather real-world flight data from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and specialized aviation platforms.

• Operate Zipline’s data collection rigs in dynamic flight conditions while maintaining a strong focus on safety.

• Independently handle mission preparation, equipment setup, troubleshooting, data capture, and post-flight activities.

• Cultivate effective working relationships with pilots, flight crews, vendors, and cross-functional teams to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

• Diagnose hardware, software, sensor, and data collection rig issues in the field to keep missions on track.

• Manage field logistics, including packing, transportation, setup, teardown, aircraft integration support, and equipment accountability.

• Ensure that collected data is complete, reliable, and valuable for training and validating autonomy systems.

• Identify opportunities to enhance tools, rigs, workflows, and future flight campaigns.

⛳️ Requirements

• Experience in aviation or similar operational settings (e.g., pilot, student pilot, aircraft mechanic, UAS operator, field robotics, military, or other hands-on technical roles).

• Willingness to travel frequently (up to approximately 75%), including multi-week deployments, irregular schedules, weekends, and early-morning or night operations.

• Strong mechanical and technical skills—comfortable working with tools, hardware systems, aircraft-adjacent equipment, and troubleshooting in the field.

• Capacity to independently execute complex field operations with minimal oversight while demonstrating strong judgment, organization, and attention to detail.

• Proven experience troubleshooting technical issues in real time, including hardware, software, sensors, networking, or operational workflows.

• Familiarity with FAA regulations, airspace fundamentals, and safe operations around aircraft, airfields, FBOs, and remote flight environments.

• Comfortable working under dynamic flight conditions while operating laptops, tablets, sensors, and mounted equipment in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

• Ability to remain composed and effective in high-pressure or physically demanding situations, including motion-heavy flight conditions and variable weather.

• Excellent communication and coordination skills in fast-paced operational settings.

• Capability to lift and transport over 50 lbs of equipment and assist with field deployment logistics with or without reasonable accommodation.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off.