Weekend Piling Rig Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

• 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

• Experience in aviation or similarly operational environments (e.g., pilot, student pilot, aircraft mechanic, UAS operator, field robotics, military, or other hands-on technical operations roles)
• Willingness to travel frequently (up to ~75%), including multi-week deployments, irregular schedules, weekends, and early-morning or night operations
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude—comfortable working with tools, hardware systems, aircraft-adjacent equipment, and field troubleshooting
• Ability to independently execute complex field operations with limited oversight while maintaining strong judgment, organization, and attention to detail
• 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 in dynamic flight conditions while operating laptops, tablets, sensors, and mounted equipment in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or physically demanding environments, including motion-heavy flight conditions and variable weather
• Strong communication and coordination skills in fast-moving operational environments
• Ability to lift and transport 50+ lbs of equipment and support field deployment logistics with or without reasonable accommodation

• Experience with cameras, sensors, or data acquisition systems
• Comfortable using computers and command line tools to run systems or debug issues
• UAS or flight test experience
• Familiarity with networking, telemetry, or embedded systems

• You are passionate about aviation and looking for a role outside of just a pilot position
• Work at the intersection of flight operations, autonomy, and engineering
• Help shape how we test and validate new capabilities
• Stay close to real-world flight operations while building deep technical expertise
• Have a direct impact on the performance and reliability of Zipline systems

Please note that:

This is a full-time position