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Director Flight Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zipline

Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Esparto, CA · On-site

Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives ... You will conduct repeatable flight operations across a wide range of mission profiles ...

Zipline

Fleet Operations Lead

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$39.50 - $48/hr

Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives ... Oversee live flight operations and serve as an RPIC (Controller) or Ops Assist for approximately 25 ...

Red Cat Holdings

Director of Manufacturing

Torrance, CA · On-site

$165 - $205/hr

The Director of Manufacturing partners closely with Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain, Quality ... Oversee Flight Operations to ensure efficient aircraft testing, acceptance, documentation, and ...

RED CAT HOLDINGS

Director of Manufacturing

Torrance, CA · On-site

Position Summary The Director of Manufacturing at FlightWave Aerospace is responsible for leading ... Oversee Flight Operations to ensure efficient aircraft testing, acceptance, documentation, and ...

Clutch Canada

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138.55 - $187.45/hr

... Director in an active flight test program * Strong understanding of aircraft systems and flight test procedures * In depth understanding of flight operations and air traffic management

Zipline

Flight Test Operator (SkillBridge)

Davis, CA · On-site

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives ...

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Director Flight Operations information

See California salary details

$33.6K

$106.3K

$177.2K

How much do director flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director flight operations in California is $106,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $133,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director flight operations position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Flight Operations, you need deep knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, safety management systems, and significant leadership experience, often supported by a commercial pilot's license or equivalent operational background. Familiarity with airline management software, flight scheduling tools, and compliance documentation systems is essential. Outstanding organizational, communication, and crisis management skills are crucial for coordinating teams and maintaining operational efficiency. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of flight activities in a highly regulated environment.

What is a director flight operations?

A Director of Flight Operations is responsible for overseeing an airline or aviation company's flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, operational efficiency, and company policies. They manage pilot scheduling, flight planning, and coordination with regulatory authorities like the FAA or EASA. Additionally, they work closely with maintenance, safety, and dispatch teams to ensure smooth flight operations. Their role is critical in maintaining high safety standards, optimizing costs, and ensuring on-time performance.

What are some typical challenges a director flight operations faces in their day-to-day work?

Directors of Flight Operations often navigate complex logistical challenges, such as adapting flight schedules due to weather disruptions, maintenance issues, or crew availability. They must also ensure ongoing compliance with evolving aviation regulations while maintaining optimal safety and efficiency standards. Successfully leading a diverse team of pilots, dispatchers, and ground support staff requires balancing operational demands with strategic planning. Overcoming these challenges involves strong decision-making skills, effective communication, and the ability to respond quickly under pressure, making the role both dynamic and rewarding.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Operations jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Operations jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Flight Operations jobs in California? For Director Flight Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Flight Operations jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Director Flight Operations jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Flight Operations jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Flight Operations job openings:
Director Flight Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Flight Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,270 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Visual Observer - Flight Test Operations Esparto

Zipline

Esparto, CA

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Zipline

Zipline is the world's largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world's largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world's largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About You and The Role

The Flight Test Operations team at Zipline is growing, and we're looking for individuals with sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and exceptionally high standards. Success requires a process-minded approach on every flight, safety-oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for using cutting-edge technology to deliver goods and lifesaving medical supplies on 3 continents around the world (so far), 7 days a week.

You will monitor assigned airspace and conditions around UAS flights, communicate hazards clearly to the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), and speak up when a flight condition requires attention, a pause, or escalation. Your judgment directly supports safe, disciplined flight execution.

What You'll Do
  • Attend pre-operational briefings and complete required crew activities before assigned flights.
  • Monitor assigned airspace along flight routes before launch and throughout UAS testing, flight, and delivery phases.
  • Identify non-cooperative aircraft, hazardous weather, local fire events, and other conditions that could affect flight safety. Initiate escalation and immediate mitigations per crew procedures and stop operations when required.
  • Call out safety concerns, request a pause when conditions warrant, and escalate unresolved hazards through the flight crew.
  • Maintain reliable observation, communication, and procedural discipline during assigned flight operations.
  • Maintain operational readiness for day, night, and weekend shifts; participate in recurrent training, competency checks, and any required regulatory training.
What You'll Bring
  • Sound judgment, close attention to detail, and a process-minded approach to every flight.
  • Ability to follow flight procedures, retain situational awareness, and communicate observations accurately under operational conditions.
  • Ability to work independently in isolated conditions for extended periods while remaining attentive and communicative.
  • Availability for full-time shifts, including days, nights, and overnight shifts.
  • Clear interpersonal communication and the confidence to raise safety concerns directly.
  • Part 107 certification or prior drone, UAS, or aviation experience is preferred.
What Else You Need To Know
Please Note

The starting pay for this role is $22/ hour.

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!

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zipline 's Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.