Autonomy Flight Test Specialist

About the Role

We’re looking for an Autonomy Fight Test Specialist to help us gather real-world data that drives our next generation of systems.

This is a field-first role. You’ll travel around the country, work alongside aviation professionals, and operate our aerial data collection rigs. From start to finish you’ll own all aspects of the data gathering process.

You’ll often operate independently, so being able to think on your feet and make good calls without a lot of oversight is key. A big part of the job is completing the task at hand in real world conditions—figuring things out quickly, staying adaptable, and ensuring we safely come back with the data we need.

Beyond technical skills, we value a proactive, hands-on approach and strong real-world problem solving. Successful candidates are highly resourceful, hands-on operators who enjoy solving practical problems in dynamic real-world environments.

What You’ll Do

• Own aerial data collection missions end to end in support of Zipline’s Detect and Avoid system development
• Travel across the U.S. to collect real-world flight data from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and specialty aviation platforms
• Operate Zipline’s data collection rigs in dynamic flight environments while maintaining strong safety awareness
• Independently manage mission prep, equipment setup, troubleshooting, data capture, and post-flight wrap-up
• Build effective working relationships with pilots, flight crews, vendors, and cross-functional teams to execute safe and efficient flight operations
• Debug hardware, software, sensor, and data collection rig issues in the field to keep missions moving
• Own field logistics, including packing, transport, setup, teardown, aircraft integration support, and gear accountability
• Ensure collected data is complete, reliable, and useful for training and validating autonomy systems
• Identify ways to improve tools, rigs, workflows, and future flight campaigns

What You’ll Bring

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